The all-new 3 Series Saloon is larger, more spacious but more fuel efficient with lower CO2 emissions, more nimble, certainly more comfortable with a better ride quality and only marginally more expensive than the models they replace, writes David Miles.

One of the main drawbacks to the previous 3 Series models was the lack of rear seat legroom.

This has been rectified as the new generation is a shade longer but more importantly has a longer wheelbase and wider tracks.

The extra dimensions improve the legroom and allow easier access to the rear seats.

The balance and handling of the car is improved and the ride comfort with suspension tuned for UK roads is significantly better.

Also improved is the ambience within the car, it feels a class above the outgoing models.

It is more polished and a better rounded product overall with more choices of specification and equipment.

Core best selling model, the 320d Sport with a six-speed manual gearbox offers 184hp.

Perhaps it is not quite as polished noise and vibration wise as one or two new generation turbodiesel units of the same capacity but it isn't by any means raucous.

In all areas where the 3 Series Saloon needed improvements it has received them, rear legroom, a better and more compliant ride, better interiors together with the on-going programme of bringing more power, better fuel economy and less CO2 emissions.

It was the best in its class, it's now even better and a very tough benchmark model for other premium brands to try and match.