Is bigger ..but not better

aggressive because it has its own front bumper design and larger air intakes, plus gloss black trim in various places.

The M-sport version also brings lowered suspension (by 10mm) that’s firmer, too, and you get progressive rate power steering.

The 3-Series is a sports saloon so you’d expect a slightly stiffer ride than you’d get in a Ford or Vauxhall, and you do, but not unpleasantly so.

The 320d is very refined on the motorway with barely any wind noise thanks to extra soundproofing. The engine makes it obvious it’s a diesel when you start up but once cruising it’s quiet and refined. For a sporty saloon I’d rather have the petrol engine and even more so now the knives are out for diesels.

Inside, you’ve got plenty of rear legroom thanks to the increased wheelbase, and lots of boot space, too. The rear seat backs also fold down if you need more. The Touring, or estate, version is on its way so if you need even more room wait for that to arrive.

BMW still uses its idrive rotary controller for its communications and entertainment system which is a good thing because it’s straightforward to use on the move – much easier than a touchpad.

On models lower down the food chain you get old fashioned analogue instruments, but here a 12.3inch digital instrument pack is standard.

You do get the new Intelligent Personal Assistant “Hey BMW” voice activation system. It works occasionally and, according to BMW’S connectivity experts, it will learn your voice after a while.

So should you rush to trade in your current 3-Series for the new one? No.

Apart from its dramatic looks the new car isn’t a massive leap forward and that’s very much down to the fact that the previous car was very good and had every gadget and accessory you’d need.

That the old model is smaller actually makes it more desirable to me. Bigger isn’t always better.