Category: Compact Executive 
Price Range: £21,525 to £38,060
Superb refinement, superb quality, terrific detail design and general all-round ability.
Not the entertaining driver's car that BMW fondly claims. Pricey too.
The best in this class, if not as much fun to drive as the Alfa 156.
The driving position - bar mildly offset pedals - is very good, although the lack of seat-cushion tilt on certain models may bother some. Changing gear smoothly at slow speeds can be a challenge - the clutch is not the most cushioned - and heavily optioned versions with the satellite navigation screen are a bit more tricky to operate. Generally, however, these are straightforward cars to drive. The SMG sequential transmission (gearshifts triggered either via the lever or using buttons on the steering wheel) works well, but requires familiarisation to get the best from it.
If you believe BMWs should be a sporty drive, prepare to be disappointed. It's not that the 3-Series isn't brisk and capable on demanding roads, but it simply fails to inspire the enthusiastic driver. Many will be unbothered by this, and revel in this BMW's soothing abilities. The rest should consider Alfa's 156 or Lexus IS200.
The 318i is no sports car, but its brisk enough, while the 325i and 330i are swift and very swift. The latter pair are powered by super smooth six cylinders, as is the 320i. The 330d turbodiesel really doesn't hang about, either. The 316i (with a 105 bhp 1.9) is nothing like fast, even the 320d turbodiesel is quicker.
