That sharply-cut nose is already a familiar sight on the UK’s roads, despite the latest 3-Series only actually being launched a few years ago. The F30 range is broad, with umpteen engines, trims and even a four-wheel drive version, dubbed xDrive(which now outsells the Audi A4 quattro).
BMW rolled out a facelifted 3 last year to help it tackle the surprisingly fierce challenge from the Jaguar XE and Audi A4. Visual changes are minor but there’s an almost entirely new engine range and a lift for the interior. Speak to BMW and this is where it believes it holds the biggest class advantage – which is saying something given that the previous 3-Series was regularly hailed as the best car in its class to point down a piece of tricky tarmac.
This one isn’t necessarily more tactile than the older ones, but it’s certainly smoother and more supple, particularly with the must-have optional Adamptive M Sport suspension. The steering is nicely weighted and the front end is so accurate and responsive that you know exactly where you are with it at all times. It’s smooth, enjoyable and exhibits deftness in all it does. What’s more BMW seems to have nailed the relationship between supple suspension and run-flat tyres. This 3-Series is more cohesive than ever, something that’s only enhanced by this tweaked and even more near-perfect facelift.