The new 3-Series is so good it might just see BMW sales overtaking those of Mercedes writes Michael McAleer.
BMW has one clear target in its sights: to become the leader of the premium car market. Of course the well-polished executives and marketing personnel would never admit to something so undiplomatically aggressive.
But mention the possibility of toppling Mercedes and you will see a certain glint in the eye of BMW executives, despite the protestations about "not targeting any individual marque". The Bavarians are already well on the way to usurping fellow Germans Mercedes, thanks to the launch of the new 1-Series hatchback last year and sales exceeding 1.3 million.
However, success depends on the new 3-Series being welcomed with open arms when it arrives here in March. Now 30 years in production, the 3-Series represents 40 per cent of current BMW sales and is still the most important car for the marque, despite several new models introduced in recent years. Get it right and top spot is theirs.
So, what of the latest model? BMW has long boasted that it's a driver's car. This is the advertising spin, but for all that there's a grain of truth in it. It really is fun to drive.
Two test routes of between 200 and 300km each were set out during the launch, along with sessions on a test track. Surprisingly for what is a regular, if sporty, family saloon, we just couldn't get enough of it.
The new 3-Series has incredible poise on the road. Just as Ford has been acclaimed for the suspension settings and handling ability of the Focus, so BMW deserves credit for the work done on this car.
Despite some extremely tight and twisting roads, including several hairpin bends, it sticks to its line with little body roll. BMW engineers claim the body is 25 per cent stiffer than its predecessor. Certainly the more time behind the wheel, the more confidence it instils in you.
Two engines were available for test: the new 2-litre diesel 320d and the revised 3-litre petrol 330. Sadly the four-cylinder 2-litre petrol that will feature in the 320i was not on offer.
The six-cylinder in 330 sang along, its sweet sound becoming addictive as we kept it at 4,000 revs to keep the soundtrack in tune.
Power flows so smoothly that it's not so much a matter of pushing the accelerator, but more a matter of stroking it. This is the same magnesium block unit from the 630i with an increase of 24bhp on the existing aluminium engine and better fuel economy.
The 2-litre diesel is less refined. We weren't as keen to hear its harsher gurgle, but it beats its petrol equivalent into a poor second in all the important criteria: a higher top speed, quicker 0-100km/h rate and, of course, better fuel consumption. The engine gets an increase in power, rising from the current 150bhp to 161bhp.
The 3-Series audience is less enamoured with diesel than others, but views are changing. With 530 diesel sales now outstripping petrol versions, the future for the 320d looks particularly bright. Certainly it packs a powerful punch, though on the tighter stretches it falls foul of the traditional gripe against diesel, running out of revs too soon. However, it cruises along in third gear like an automatic.
The major change with the new car in terms of engine output will be in the powerplant offered in the base models. Whereas the current BMW 320i features a 2.2-litre, 168bhp engine, the new car will feature the four-cylinder 2-litre engine currently featured in the 318i and the 120i models and producing 20 bhp less.
The loss in performance will be offset by better economy and cheaper tax, although the reduced potency may upset devotees of BMW's six-cylinder powerplants.
The biggest performance gain is in the 2.5-litre, which rises to 244bhp from 218bhp.
BMW will add a new version of the 318i, based on a lower powered version of the 2-litre engine and more diesel versions in September. The coupe and convertible versions will stay the same until 2006, although an estate, or Touring version, should debut with the others in September.
All versions come with either automatic or six-speed manual. Of the two, we prefer the manual - the short springy gearbox is very impressive. BMW has opted for a simplified iDrive system for the new 3-Series, a simple one-click button to control radio, navigation, climate control and communications. However, traditional button controls for each are also featured.
Interior layout and design is an improvement on the current version, with a higher specification as standard and a slightly more spacious cabin, particularly in the rear which gets most from the extra 49mm in the new car. However, it's still really tight for two adults in the back.
The use of run-flat tyres in this mainstream model also means a saving of about 45 litres in the boot. Sadly, not all of this goes towards the bootspace. New US rules about rear impact protection means that there's only 20 extra litres for luggage. However, a new optional sliding tray should be popular for carrying more delicate loads such as laptops or bottles of wine.
It all comes together to offer one of the most enjoyable cars to drive in its class. This one will be hard to beat. It's far superior to the likes of the Mercedes C-Class and sets a new benchmark that others must equal. It seems that, for now, BMW can't put a foot wrong.
With so much talk of sales volume, expect price rises to be kept at a minimum. Prices are expected to be "very similar" to the current model, ranging from €48,250 for the 320i SE to €58,500 for the 330i SE.