The BMW family (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

The BMW family

Say those three little words: I want one so the slogan goes. Well I had one for a week and it seems those mendacious ad people are actually telling the truth for once.

I do indeed want one. I really really want one. In fact I'd love one, even die for one. Hang on, no I wouldn't because then I couldn't drive it unless of course there are roads in heaven or hell. In which case my granddad would be turning in his grave because he left his beloved motor behind. And it's still going strong despite being a somewhat ancient H-reg.

What on earth am I talking about? A BMW 3 series, silly.

It's always been one of those cars that everyone wants boy racers, hairdressers, footballer's wives, managing directors, accountants the whole caboodle.

Even my notoriously penny-pinching granddad, George, forked out for one.

So they must have been worth their weight in steel. As it happens George ran his own steel company and believe me would have build one himself if he thought he could make a better job of it than BMW.

So 30 years after the 3 series was born what's changed? The price, obviously my 320i SE costs £22,590. Not a bargain in my book, but quality goods seldom are.

The look is more remarkably different and controversial. Over time all the angles have been replaced with curves. But hey curves are back in fashion, so I'm not complaining.

The circular headlamps turned square long ago again fine by me. But now my beloved BMW's eyes have gone positively slitty. I know it's not a British car but it's not Japanese either. Apart from that the face (front grille) is great.

Also on the plus side, it seems to have grown. There's plenty of leg room, according to my 6ft 2 dad who sat in the back. He particularly liked the cloth seats, which had a texture not dissimilar to his favourite moleskin slacks.

Moving onto, or rather under, the bonnet - everything is tickety-boo.

Managing 0-60mph in nine sec was quick enough for me. But if you fancy something faster simply upgrade to the 330i, which will whiz you there in an impressive 6.6 sec.

Handling-wise it's another thumbs up. Sticks to the road like George stuck to his guns and they don't come more stubborn than my gramps.

So to re-cap Efficient. Exhilarating. Elegant. It has to be 3. Yes that's another slogan and it's pretty much spot on.

Efficient? 38 miles per gallon is very respectable considering the punchy performance.

Exhilarating? Most definitely thrill seekers won't be disappointed. Elegant? Not sure about this one because of the curves and slitty eyes. But either way it's most excellent and I still want one very much.

VICTORIA TAGG gets behind the wheel of the new BMW and discovers three is definitely company

Factfile

BMW 320i SE

Cost: £22,590

Max speed: 137mph

Acc: 0-62 in 9.0 secs

Cons combined (mpg) 38.2

Contact Dick Lovett BMW, Rushey Park, Wootton Bassett Road, Swindon.

(01793) 615999.