BMW 320d Highline

On the new model, BMW has addressed both these issues, and provided the car with a substantial feature upgrade. All cars now have sunroofs, xenon lamps, rear parking sensors and side window blinds as standard and the 320d also gets a new diesel motor.

On the outside, not much has changed, with the alloys being the only giveaway. Chris Bangle’s lines have grown on us and most of us have started admiring the snub-nosed bullet the 3-Series represents.

The addition of the menu button in the recent past has improved the user-friendliness of the system substantially. Some detail features are difficult to get to, but five minutes with the manual should sort this out. Buttons are neatly laid out and everything has a feel of robustness to it.

The instrument cluster is one of the best we’ve seen so far. The simplicity and clarity keeps in line with the design philosophy of no-nonsense performance. The powered seats are a snug fit with good side bolstering and the driving position is fabulous, making you feel one with the car once you’ve got the settings right. Seat height travel however is limited, which could be a problem for shorter drivers, and the mirrors still don’t show you enough of the road. Rear seat comfort is also good, the seats are supportive, legroom is enough and the angle of the seat is just right. You do wish for some more legroom when someone tall is driving, though.

With an almost 15 per cent increase in power, the new 320d pulls much harder, displaying even more eagerness than the old car. Even the kick down from the steptronic six-speed transmission feels more urgent than before. However, the car doesn’t consume more fuel than the old one.

Though not many of you will reach speeds of 180kph and above on our roads, this is a chink in the armour of the 3- Series’ otherwise perfect handling. And that heavy steering at low speeds remains, but wouldn’t want to sacrifice that for the connected feel it offers.

This upgrade has made the 320d more desirable. Its biggest drawback – the stiff ride – has been sorted and owners are sure to appreciate this. The new 320d gives owners the best of both luxury and performance.