No more manual option for the BMW 3 Series

That change was coming. BMW held out with three pedals and a self-shifter in the 3 Series for longer than its rivals, but now in all models it is replaced by the ubiquitous Steptronic eight-speed automatic, with all versions getting steering column paddles.

There are just two levels, Sport and M Sport, and two BMW Performance models, which all sounds sporty enough but this refresh does suggest a subtle shift of emphasis towards ease of use, efficiency and connectivity. Think ‘ultimate driving machine’ whose headline ability is to park itself, or drive itself backwards for 50 metres.

You can choose from six engines, four petrol and two diesel. Outputs range from 184PS (135kW) in the entry 320i to 374PS (275kW) in the top 340i. There’s one plug-in hybrid in the new range, the 330e, while both diesels get 48v mild hybrid tech and unsurprisingly the best (theoretical) economy and lowest CO2.

An early pick for best model is the 330i, the most powerful of the four-cylinder petrol variants and available with rear-wheel drive. BMW says its 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine has been comprehensively updated with integrated exhaust manifold and upgraded turbocharger. Power is now 258PS (210kw) with 400Nm (295lb ft) of torque from as low as 1,550rpm. Zero to 62mph is despatched in 5.9 seconds.

True to 3 Series form, there are Saloon and Touring body styles, along with xDrive all-wheel drive either as an option on certain models or standard on the top ones.

How to spot the latest version? The reprofiled front apron, revised (but still conventionally shaped and sized) kidney grille and slimmer headlights are the essence of it. Standard wheel size on the entry level model is now 17 inches.

M Sport models get chrome accents on the kidney grille, a large central air intake with honeycomb insert, and recessed air curtains at the outer edges, making this version look wider and better planted. The wheels also grow to 18 inches.

BMW Performance models get 19-inch rims along with larger-still air intakes and more aerodynamically optimised details. And there are trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes and black high-gloss finishes.

For all, there are more paint colours to choose from and more elements painted in the body colour, particularly at the rear, which BMW says gives this updated 3 Series a more sophisticated look.

Not a massive amount to set it apart then, but you will not miss the changes inside. All versions adopt the BMW Curved Display dashboard as standard. It’s a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display all merged into a single fully digital unit.

Behind the glass is BMW’s Operating System 8 which offers more than before in the way of intuitive control, navigation, infotainment and communication functions. And not forgetting a range of assist functions including self-parking options.

BMW UK is promising more standard equipment and a revised options offering when the cars arrive in the summer, priced from £36,670 and topping out at £52,965 for the 340i xDrive in either petrol or diesel Performance form. The petrol has more power with 374PS, the diesel has more torque with 700Nm (516lb ft), but both get to 62mph from standstill in comfortably less than five seconds.

Where the BMW 3 Series is concerned, enthusiasts might be holding out for the much-anticipated M3 Touring, but be in no doubt of the importance of the standard 3 Series range, what BMW still regards as the core of its brand. In a changing marketplace, it still accounts for 14 per cent of all BMW’s sales worldwide and continues to be class leader in both the UK and Germany. This updated model has a lot resting on it.