My brief sojourn with the 2008 BMW 330d supplied to us ahead of its launch last year was just not long enough to get to know it truly well. However it was long enough to have blown me away with its dynamic performance. So much so that we immediately included it in our long-standing and popular Best Engine segment ? with the appropriately attached, ?An engine from heaven?? title.

And let me tell you, after testing it on road and track, that question was answered in no uncertain manner. Astounding, is the adjective to best describe not only the engine but also the manner in which this 330d oil-burning rocket performs on both road and the track.

Any 3.0-litre diesel that cannons to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds up here on the Reef, flattens the quarter mile in 14.5 seconds and exits at 157km/h is, well... unheard of.

On the same morning we tested the 330d we were fortunate to have two other cars on test, the gorgeous Audi TTS and sibling S3, both high performance cars. Truth be told, the 330d did 2min 9.1 sec, the TTS 2min 8.8 sec, the 2min 9.8 sec for the S3. We did expect fireworks, but not that close.

The highlight of the test was the manner in which the 330d managed to achieve its results. Where the Audis were at times revving to their elevated 7000rpm limits, the 330d managed all this at nothing higher than 4800rpm, with buckets of torque doing most of the work.

In fact this becomes clear when you floor the 330d at say 3000rpm ? the results are stunning, the engine sounding much like a petrol-driven performance engine.

With 520Nm wound out from 1750rpm, for a torque to weight ratio of 174Nm per tonne, the 330d showed its mettle by handling Bus Stop and Bungee in third instead of second as with the TTS, S3 and others. And that?s not all. When it comes to handling the ?3? is a honey with its almost neutral handling abilities.

Turn-in is brilliantly positive with the steering wheel feel just right ? not too heavy, not too light. The positive feedback also adds a sense of security and confidence when at the limit.

Braking into bends on any racetrack at the limit is a true test for any car. Needless to say the Beemer was tops with its ventilated 348x30mm front and 336x22mm discs. This was also proven when it bettered both Audis over by our braking tests.

The gearbox, though a trite notchy, worked well with the ratios well set for the lower rev-ranges the 330d operates through. In fact in sixth gear at 120km/h the tachometer indicates 1800rpm, which assists in further in reducing the already frugal fuel consumption habits.