We would like to think we are skilful drivers. But in actual fact, we are merely above average at best. Despite our privileged position as motoring writers, we are no drift kings or driving deities. That's why when a car like the F30 comes along, we feel happy and utterly contented (which we'll explain why later).

For starters, it was only in the early 90s when the car started bagging countless awards, making the 3er one of the best-selling sedans in BMW's line-up. To bring it up a notch, the Bavarian marque also bagged the International Engine of the Year Awards in 2007 for its 3.0-litre twin turbo engine - the same powerplant found in the BMW 335i.

We had been worried that the launch of the new 3 Series would be a mere exercise for something new, an opportunity for the design squad to indulge in their creativity to enhance the aesthetics of the car and nothing more. Truth be told, it's actually been a while since a car has made us so satisfied. What's so good and new about the latest 3, you ask?

Exterior

On the outside, the latest 3 isn't close to the model it replaces, instead, it shares the same design cues as the bigger 5 Series. The lines are a little sharper, body a touch wider and the snout a little more purposeful than before. The face of the car has been pulled tighter than before too, with headlamps stretching to meet the signature kidney grilles.

When it comes down to figures, the 3 Series you see here has a bigger footprint (front +37mm, rear +48mm) and an increased length of 93mm as compared to its predecessor. And despite the car's newfound size, it has shed some 40kg, thanks to the extensive use of extra-lightweight chassis components and the new generation of lightweight engine.

Changes to the rear are more subtle though. The taillights are now fitted with BMW L-shaped design lamps, and it does require more than just a keen eye to spot the mild but necessary changes that have given this 3 a fresher look.

Interior

On the inside, significant progress has been made over its predecessor. Although the dash controls and buttons remain at the same location, the instrument panel sports a fresh look. More importantly, it's extremely neat and easy to read, allowing drivers to keep track of their driving style and speed while piloting the car.

Attention to small details such as red stitching on the steering wheel and heavily-bolstered seats matches the sporty mindset of the car. Coupled with the artful curves, it's obvious that nothing in the cabin of the new 3 was placed there by accident. More importantly, you get the sense that this is a driver-centric car. From the traditional pull-type parking brake to the central screen on centre console, the design of the interior is somewhat form-driven without sacrificing its functional purpose.

In terms of cabin space, the 3 Series is now able to provide rear passengers 15mm of additional legroom, thanks to the extended wheelbase of 50mm. Still, the extra space is more easily felt than seen and remains to be best fitted with two adults at the back.

Boot space also sees to a significant increase of 20 litres to a generous and no less useful 480 litres. It's a reasonable amount of space to haul in a couple of golf bags without knocking down the rear benches.

The Drive

On the go, the 3 Series does its mambo jumbo dance moves on the tarmac at our every input and command that it makes us feel like we're… professional drivers. Simply put, the car is so predictable and stable on the road, with surgical steering accuracy and a chassis that offers a wonderful blend of handling and comfort that will put many bigger cars to shame.

Mated to a creamy smooth 8-speed automatic gearbox, the turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six powerplant carries over its silky outputs of 306 horses to the rear wheels. Flex your right foot and the G-forces will build up quickly but smoothly before reaching the 100km/h end point in 5.5 seconds. More relevantly, with a massive output of 400Nm of torque, the 3 Series is great in an urban setting and is wonderfully refined and aurally pleasing when extended.

We expected lesser from the 335i when it came to cornering because its larger engine weighs about 65kgs more than the 328i, which could potentially have an impact on the handling department. But its crisp edge wasn't one bit diminished. At 1,595kg, the sedan is no featherweight but it'll corner flatly while giving drivers constant feedbacks through its communicative and weighty steering as the roads twists and turns.

The only minor issue we found was the grip from the rear tyres. While the front ones bit the road firmly, the rear tyres struggled a tad when tackling meandering roads at high speeds, especially when you push that little bit more when exiting corners. Still, body roll is always in check and it never sets the mood down to push the car through bends.

Conclusion

The BMW 335i Sedan sets a pace that will satisfy even the most demanding drivers. It excels in its drivetrain and handling department without even compromising on space and weight. Although the 335i sits at $43,000 more than the 328i, we reckon it's every bit worth the money.

We would like to think we are skilful drivers. But in actual fact, we are merely above average at best. Despite our privileged position as motoring writers, we are no drift kings or driving deities. That's why when a car like the F30 comes along, we feel happy and utterly contented (which we'll explain why later).

For starters, it was only in the early 90s when the car started bagging countless awards, making the 3er one of the best-selling sedans in BMW's line-up. To bring it up a notch, the Bavarian marque also bagged the International Engine of the Year Awards in 2007 for its 3.0-litre twin turbo engine - the same powerplant found in the BMW 335i.

We had been worried that the launch of the new 3 Series would be a mere exercise for something new, an opportunity for the design squad to indulge in their creativity to enhance the aesthetics of the car and nothing more. Truth be told, it's actually been a while since a car has made us so satisfied. What's so good and new about the latest 3, you ask?

Exterior

On the outside, the latest 3 isn't close to the model it replaces, instead, it shares the same design cues as the bigger 5 Series. The lines are a little sharper, body a touch wider and the snout a little more purposeful than before. The face of the car has been pulled tighter than before too, with headlamps stretching to meet the signature kidney grilles.

When it comes down to figures, the 3 Series you see here has a bigger footprint (front +37mm, rear +48mm) and an increased length of 93mm as compared to its predecessor. And despite the car's newfound size, it has shed some 40kg, thanks to the extensive use of extra-lightweight chassis components and the new generation of lightweight engine.

Changes to the rear are more subtle though. The taillights are now fitted with BMW L-shaped design lamps, and it does require more than just a keen eye to spot the mild but necessary changes that have given this 3 a fresher look.

Interior

On the inside, significant progress has been made over its predecessor. Although the dash controls and buttons remain at the same location, the instrument panel sports a fresh look. More importantly, it's extremely neat and easy to read, allowing drivers to keep track of their driving style and speed while piloting the car.

Attention to small details such as red stitching on the steering wheel and heavily-bolstered seats matches the sporty mindset of the car. Coupled with the artful curves, it's obvious that nothing in the cabin of the new 3 was placed there by accident. More importantly, you get the sense that this is a driver-centric car. From the traditional pull-type parking brake to the central screen on centre console, the design of the interior is somewhat form-driven without sacrificing its functional purpose.

In terms of cabin space, the 3 Series is now able to provide rear passengers 15mm of additional legroom, thanks to the extended wheelbase of 50mm. Still, the extra space is more easily felt than seen and remains to be best fitted with two adults at the back.

Boot space also sees to a significant increase of 20 litres to a generous and no less useful 480 litres. It's a reasonable amount of space to haul in a couple of golf bags without knocking down the rear benches.

The Drive

On the go, the 3 Series does its mambo jumbo dance moves on the tarmac at our every input and command that it makes us feel like we're… professional drivers. Simply put, the car is so predictable and stable on the road, with surgical steering accuracy and a chassis that offers a wonderful blend of handling and comfort that will put many bigger cars to shame.

Mated to a creamy smooth 8-speed automatic gearbox, the turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six powerplant carries over its silky outputs of 306 horses to the rear wheels. Flex your right foot and the G-forces will build up quickly but smoothly before reaching the 100km/h end point in 5.5 seconds. More relevantly, with a massive output of 400Nm of torque, the 3 Series is great in an urban setting and is wonderfully refined and aurally pleasing when extended.

We expected lesser from the 335i when it came to cornering because its larger engine weighs about 65kgs more than the 328i, which could potentially have an impact on the handling department. But its crisp edge wasn't one bit diminished. At 1,595kg, the sedan is no featherweight but it'll corner flatly while giving drivers constant feedbacks through its communicative and weighty steering as the roads twists and turns.

The only minor issue we found was the grip from the rear tyres. While the front ones bit the road firmly, the rear tyres struggled a tad when tackling meandering roads at high speeds, especially when you push that little bit more when exiting corners. Still, body roll is always in check and it never sets the mood down to push the car through bends.

Conclusion

The BMW 335i Sedan sets a pace that will satisfy even the most demanding drivers. It excels in its drivetrain and handling department without even compromising on space and weight. Although the 335i sits at $43,000 more than the 328i, we reckon it's every bit worth the money.