BMW: Three's company

The new 3 Series has a sharper body shape and changes to the lights and grille. Photo / Supplied

The 3 Series is no longer BMW's biggest seller but it still accounts for a quarter of its sales. BMW must make a splash with this car.

What's new?

This Three looks quite different to its predecessor. It's a stronger look, with sharply sculpted lines and changes to the lights and grille, emphasising a more purposeful stance enhanced by wider track, although body width remains unchanged.

The cabin's much the same too, bar a few fairly minor changes such as the latest iDrive upgrade.

What is different, is BMW NZ's features and pricing policy.

The company line

BMW NZ managing director Mark Gilbert admits BMW may have held prices too high in the past, but says you can't use exchange rates to put prices up unless you're prepared to drop them when rates improve. He says prices must eventually climb - following hikes by his competitors.

Standard features now include park distance and cruise control, while heated seats, a USB port and satnav pack is available at a reduced cost.

What we say

This may not be an all-new 3 Series, but it's hard to beat. The only orphan is the base 320i petrol-powered car, with the oldest engine of the bunch. It's positively asthmatic after the diesel, and with less power (115kW/200Nm to the diesel's 130/350); and greater thirst (8l/100km to the diesel's six) the only reason to buy one is because you won't consider diesel.

On the road

The 320d auto is my pick at $64,900. With creamy torrents of torque combined with BMW's nimble handling in this package, it delivers the best of all worlds. You'll get eyeball-stretching shove from the bigger diesels - 580Nm from the 335d, for example - but you also pay for it. Not just in terms of money but because the bigger engines' less subtle approach blurs your appreciation of the car's delightfully nimble handling.

Why you'll buy one

They may not be new but most 3 Series are powered by deservedly award-winning engines. You can't be seen with last-year's look in the drive - and despite the fancy talk, there's a limit to how long BMW can keep a lid on prices.

Why you won't

You refuse to try diesel; the the 320i (priced from $58,900) is too weak and the other petrol engine, the $100,900 335i, is too rich for your blood.