If it's a revolution you're expecting from the fifth generation BMW 3-series, forget it. There's been no reinventing of the wheel with this SA-built, for the home and export markets, sedan.
All that was good about the previous 3 - its refinement, driver appeal and intelligent technology - is carried over but the car is 25 percent better.
The engines have more power and improved fuel consumption.
The 330i tested here is the high-adrenalin pacesetter in the range, charging forward with much haste - and a hairy-chested howl.
Its three-litre, straight-six petrol engine has acquired BMW's Valvetronic system that masterminds the opening times and lift of the intake valves across a huge range as a function of the throttle pedal position, on top of its existing dual-Vanos variable camshaft.
The result is a power increase from 170kW at 5900rpm to 190kW at 6650rpm while torque stays the same at 300Nm but is available from lower engine revolutions.
Despite that this the car used only 9.6 litres/100km, impressive for a powerful three-litre.
This 12 percent improvement comes from the engine being 10kg lighter, thanks to the use of magnesium components, and an electric water pump that works independently of engine speed.
According to BMW's figures, the new 330i will scoot to 100km/h in only 6.3sec at sea level, a 0.2sec improvement over its predecessor, while top speed is still electrically governed to 250km/h.
Our own tests at Gauteng's power-robbing altitude saw the car reach 100km/h in a still-impressive 7.6sec.
The range's three other engines, the four-cylinder 320i, six-cylinder 325i and 320d turbodiesel come with similar power and economy improvements but all have a choice of two six-speed gearboxes - a manual or a Steptronic manual/sequential auto - and the cars are available in base, Exclusive and Sports equipment levels.
Cabin and boot space have grown and the new 3 Series is longer, wider and higher, along with a stretched wheelbase. Body stiffness, an area where the outgoing 3 already excelled, has been improved to make the car feel as solid as an anvil.
The new cars also inherit gadgets introduced in other BMW ranges over the past few years, including the iDrive cabin interface system, active steering, cornering headlights and a push-button to start the engine.
Active steering, available in the six-cylinder models as an option, varies steering feedback to be very direct at low speeds, less so as the pace increases, to give the best of both worlds for cornering and high-speed stability.
Run-flat tyres standard
Standard safety across the Threes includes the latest stability control, anti-lock brakes, seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, six crash bags and two-stage brake lights that shine brighter the harder you brake.
Also standard are run-flat tyres that allow the car to be driven safely for up to 250km at 80km/h after total deflation. However, there's no spare in the boot in case one of the run-flats, for some reason, becomes unusable.
Style-wise the new Three is a conservative step forward and BMW hasn't gone out on a limb as it did with the 5, 6 and 7 Series. Even so, when parked side by side with the old car, the new one is definitely bolder thanks to its wider kidney grille and bigger body.
At night the corona-like rings around the restyled headlights look pretty mean.
The new car keeps the driver appeal for which the 3 Series is famous. Despite its increased size, the new 330i weighs only 20kg more thanks to the light materials used in its construction. The result is a car that feels surefooted and nimble through corners.
In the hands of an enthusiast, it delivers all the right sensations. The steering is perfectly weighted, neither too heavy nor over-assisted, allowing the car to carve accurately through sharp curves.
Powerslides possible
BMW says the new 3 is nine seconds a lap faster than its forerunner around the famous Nurburgring in Germany - used as a benchmark test by many automakers - and I believe it. The handling of this rear-wheel drive car is exceptional and it feels impressively composed even when driven to its limits.
Traction control keeps things nice and safe but the fun powerslides possible when it's switched off are easily controlled thanks to the crisp steering.
There's also an intermediate traction control mode that allows a bit of tailslide before kicking in so you can have some fun without making holes in the roadside scenery.
The anti-lock brakes have good feel while wiping off speed in a hurry and didn't fade even after being repeatedly stomped on during several hot laps of the WesBank Raceway.
The manual gearshifts are fairly slick, if not as effortless as those of the rival Honda Accord. The stiffened sidewalls of the run-flat tyres make the ride a bit choppy on a rough surfaces but I think the benefits outweigh the nuances of ride quality.
With its increased body stiffness the new Three feels as solid as a train, bundled with generally silent operation and a quality feel typical of the brand.
The cabin is opulent, though its rather plain design doesn't match the flair of an Audi.
Not over-endowed with features
One thing BMW hasn't improved on is its lever-style seat height adjusters; they're cumbersome compared to the dial or ratchet-type systems found in other cars. It's an issue if the car is used by several drivers.
In base trim, at R346 500, the 330i is not over-endowed with features. It comes standard with height and reach-adjustable steering, air-con, CD audio system, power windows and mirrors and i-Drive but you'll have to pay (lots) extra for satellite navigation, a TV, see-around-corner headlights and a raft of other options.
The i-Drive bundles climate control, audio, navigation (if fitted) and communication settings into a single mouse-type controller to reduce the number of buttons on the fascia.
To simplify matters, several features can also be operated from the multifunction steering wheel.
SUMMARY:
BMW's growed-up "baby" sedan has become bigger and more sophisticated without losing its dynamic edge. It serves up equal measures of luxury, practicality and driving thrills. - Star Motoring