HAVING always held the opinion that to be able to bask in the reflected glory of fine achievements was a privilege, I was more than pleased to enjoy the company on a recent road test of a BMW 3 Series.
For this was the compact executive car which, last year, had followed up a long string of awards, including the What Car? Car of the Year 2006 accolade, with the crowning glory of the highly prestigious World Car of the Year 2006 honour.
And, were that not sufficient, for an unprecedented third year in succession, BMW has just been named the outright winner of the acclaimed International engine of the Year award, this time for its three-litre twin-turbocharged petrol engine fitted to the 335i model range.
The current BMW 3 Series is the fifth generation of the UK's best-selling premium sports saloon, a classic modern-day interpretation of a 3 Series bloodline which can be traced back to the World Cup Year of 1966 with the launch of the BMW 1600-2, although the first model bearing the 3 Series name was actually launched in July, 1975.
BMW set about forging a new market segment, the luxury compact executive car, and around ten million 3 Series models have been produced by the Bavarian car maker in the three decades that followed.
With the emergence of the fifth generation, BMW has raised the bar yet again to alert competitors such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi with further development and evolution to move the game even further on and in the spotlight here is the BMW 3 Series 330d M Sport Saloon.
Kit levels are generous on the latest 3 Series with the likes of onboard computer, air con, electric windows all round, powered and heated door mirrors, run-flat tyres with Tyre Puncture Warning System (TPWS), six airbags, front fogs, ABS braking and Traction Control coming as standard on the ES model while the M Sport adds auto air con, cruise control, three-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel, parking distance control, Dynamic Stability Control Plus which includes hill-start assist, and lowered M Sport Suspension.
While its predecessor was rightly accused of not being over generous with passenger space, occupants are well looked after on board the latest 3 Series saloon, the designers having introduced a further four inches to the width and an additional two inches in length.
And, while around 40 per cent of the overall increase in dimensions contributes to providing extra leg room and 40 per cent has been allotted to increased luggage space, interior height has been increased by around two and a half inches.
All this has contributed to showing that BMW listens to and addresses criticism, increased dimensions resulting in a more practical, yet much sportier looking car than its predecessor, which delivers sufficient leg room to accommodate tallish occupants both front and rear.
However, while six footers can still just about brush their heads against the roof in the back, the boot is one of the largest in class, upping the luggage bay volume from 440 cubic litres to 460.
Distinctive design cues have contributed to the car's dynamic appearance, including its softly tapered rear roofline which adds to a much more head-turning profile than that presented by the previous model, helping the latest 3 Series to provide the most coupe-like BMW saloon car to date.
Despite increased overall dimensions, more standard spec and additional safety features, the latest 3 Series surprisingly carries less weight than its predecessor in a bid to further improve its dynamic performance and reduce fuel costs. The cabin is neatly laid out with displays and controls thoughtfully angled slightly towards the driver, plus there is an agreeable range of adjustment to both steering wheel and driver's seat.
Sporting a beefy bodykit and 18-inch alloys, the 3 Series 330d doesn't disappoint on the tarmac as, paired with a slick-switching six-speed manual gear change, it struts its stuff.
This three-litre oil-burner has the muscle to arrive at the 62mph point in well under seven seconds, boasts a top speed of 155mph and a surprisingly frugal use of the motion lotion with, depending upon individual driving style, the promise of well over 40mpg on average.
Although the sport suspension is a little on the firmish side it is not unforgiving. Along with the communicative power steering it helps to deliver strong control and plenty of grip.
In addition, the 330d is also a great cruiser and, while you can perhaps just detect at which pump the 228bhp diesel engine drinks, the 24-valve oil-burner swiftly settles down to the job in hand, to deliver sotto voce progress with high levels of refinement all the way along the M-way.
Overall, this is a great car from the Bavarian automotive experts, with the extra space and a better drive virtually tailor-made to take the BMW 3 Series to an even higher plane.
FAST FACTS
BMW 3-Series 330d M Sport
Price: £32,865
Mechanical: 231bhp 2,993cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.7 secs
Combined mpg: 43.5
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 174g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust