[...A jury of 46 automotive journalists has crowned the BMW 3 Series World Car of the Year, calling it "more perfectly balanced" than its competitors.

The BMW 3 Series was chosen from an initial entry list of 27 candidates nominated by the World Car j...]

well thats really cool car. but i think that if the bonnet of the car is little bit longer than i looks more fantastic

I totally agree with the comments made here... at the moment the 3 series with this engine has to be the pinnacle of high performance diesels.

Whilst I have yet to drive one, my dad has recently taken delivery of a 335d M Sport Coupe (replacing a 2005 M3 Coupe). Each time I have been a passenger in the car I have been blown away at the performance of the car, no lag, great noise (but very quiet) and power all the way through the rev range. The BMW master cylinder and engine alone is truly an engineering masterpiece.

When you consider that the car has an autobox, is capable of cracking 60 in 5.9 seconds (62 in 6.1 for the sticklers among you) and is limited to 155mph, it is realistic to see (even under relatively enthusiastic driving) 40mpg, that in my mind is more than just impressive. Comparatively my own 2007 Astra 1.8 petrol only manages 28mpg.

The way in which it gathers crazy speed in such a hushed manner is actually frightening (certainly for those wanting to keep a clean licences) and the auto-box is so good (fast, smooth, well judged changes, with an excellent manual mode) that it’s just as well that BMW don’t have a manual that can cope with the 427lb/ft worth of torque as you wouldn’t want it.

Not once have I heard any words of dis-satisfaction or remorse in trading the M3 in against this car. On the road it’s performance is so strong and exploitable I would imagine there is not a great deal to choose between the cars for outright pace... all this from a car that has family car fuel economy and a 500+ mile range :-)