Whilst it may not look...

Whilst it may not look as startling as expected, the body is a useful 25 per cent stiffer yet weighs no more than the outgoing model. This, combined with a 35mm increase in wheelbase, revised suspension and BMW"s obsession with 50/50 weight distribution, bodes well for the ride and handling. Standard-fit run-flat tyres could work against it, however.

Inside, the new 3-series is very recognisably BMW, and will have the option of a version of the contentious i-Drive control system already seen on the 5- and 7-series. Other options include active steering and Bi-Xenon headlights. A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard across the range, as will two-stage brake-lights, while all six-cylinder models get Dynamic Stability Control.

The 3-series will be launched with four revised engines - 320i, 325i and 330i petrol units and the 320d diesel. The top-line petrol motor, the 330i, will be the lightest and most powerful six-pot engine in its segment thanks to the introduction of magnesium into its construction and an output of 258bhp. Combined with 221lb ft of torque, available from 2500-4000rpm, the 330i will hit 62mph from rest in 6.3sec. However, if its rumoured outputs turn out to be true, the hardest-hitting engine of the range could be the forthcoming twin-turbo 330 diesel. Said to produce 9bhp more than the petrol 330, it also boasts an outrageous 413lb ft, which is 30lb ft more than even the mighty V10 M5; in-gear acceleration should be prodigious.

By the end of 2006 the 3-series performance crown will pass to the new M3. A development mule has already been spotted testing and is thought to be powered by a 4-litre, 400bhp V8 version of the M5"s V10. A six-speed manual is likely to remain the standard gearbox, complemented by an optional seven-speed version of the SMG semi-auto.