WHAT a shame that probably the most important car to be launched in Europe this year looks more like an FSO than a BMW.
Cowed by the criticism of their boldly designed 5 and 7-series offerings, and stung by the sheer vitriol levelled at the 1-series, has the German giant lost its bottle?
If BMW had just played safe with the exterior of its new compact executive saloon it would have been understandable.
After all, the Bavarians found themselves in the unusual position of having to replace a six-year-old car which was still the class leader.
And who in their right mind would take risks with a product which outsold the likes of the Vauxhall Vectra and the VW Polo last year, re-writing the rulebook on premium badge sales? But, to say the new shape is disappointing just doesn't cover it. It's a travesty.
The semi-oval rear lights look like they were sourced from a late-70s Lancia and the bonnet lines are bordering on the effete.
But that's where the criticism ends. Because, if you can live with the looks - and you can - this car is fabulous.
With the company's obsession with rear-wheel drive and balance, you expect a BMW to drive well.
But the 3-series is in another league. On most roads, and in most UK conditions, four-wheel drive will produce the quickest cars, but as a drive in this car will show, it's not all about speed.
3-seriesThe sensation of cornering quickly in the new 3-series is just wholly satisfying. Even on the limit on the track, the poise is breathtaking and with a healthy slice of electronic trickery, the skills needed to get the most from this car are minimal.
Recently, BMW's reputation for build quality has come under fire as Audi's goes from strength to strength. But there are no problems here. The car feels beautifully made. From the action of the doors to that of the cup holders, the materials used feel expensive and the whole impression is of something well put together.
The new car is bigger than the saloon it replaces in almost every direction, but even though rear legroom is far better than before, headroom in the rear is noticeably limited.
I drove the all-new lightweight alloy 3.0 engined 330i. The 258bhp engine is a triumph. Straight six grunt with more than 30mpg achievable on the motorway.
But most of the 3-series' sold will be powered by the 163bhp 2.0 diesel engine - this variant sells more than all the other 3-series' combined. Not surprising when you consider you get 150mph performance from a car that can turn in 50 mpg.
Its nearest rival will be the Audi A4 2.0TDi. Which, although better looking and beautifully built, won't have anything like the out and out driver appeal of the 3-series.
So, if BMW's hundreds of thousands of 3-series customers can look past the looks, then the new 3-series will be a winner.
The thing is, it wouldn't be such a shame if it wasn't such a great car.
