At the end of our testing schedule on road, track and urban driving, the readout indicated 8.2 litres per 100km ? something hot-shot petrol rivals with similar lap times would only dream of achieving.

In terms of looks the 330d seems to be getting further away from the Bangle bungles. In fact the ?3? is perhaps one of BMW?s better attempts. Now with a wider 25mm track, it sits well on the road while the styling modifications to the front, side and rear make for a more business-like appearance.

I?ve never truly been an admirer of BeeEmm 3-Series interior trim and layout, but I did appreciate the combination of convex and concave surfaces of the exterior and continued in the interior.

I still cannot gather what BMW iDrive is all about, especially when you test some 15 cars a month... it is confusing even with the new generation Ergonomically optimised iDrive Controller. Turning, pressing and tilting movements of the Contoller to get around, is not for me.

When all is said and done, it?s all about the engine. The newly developed in-line six-cylinder twin-cam diesel engine, with aluminium crankcase, third-generation common rail direct injection with piezo injectors, maximum injection pressure of 1800 bar and turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, is the real highlight of this totally impressive 330d.

Fast enough? Well if you feel this 330d is quick, what about BMW marketing the 3.5d in SA? That?s the real bomb, and as marketed on the Continent and the UK with 210kW and 580Nm. And it?s not a 3.5-litre either. No, it?s the 330d engine with higher outputs power. Confusing, is it not?

WE LIKE:
Awesome performance and economy, sublime handling and decent styling
WE DON'T:
Costs nearly half a bar.

SAFETY:
Airbags: Front, side and curtain
Safety Equipment: ABS, ASC+T (EBV, CBC), DSC, ADB

WE SAY:
"New 330d is amazingly fast for a diesel - it feels like a sports car under acceleration, yet driven frugally fuel consumption still suprises - I averaged 7.8l/100km in mixed conditions. What's more, now that it's facelifted, I can actually live with the 3-Series' styling. Still, I'd find the R430k price tag hard to swallow."
-Jason Woosey
"In manual guise this diesel burner has to be one of the best cars released in 2008. It sounds like a Super Truck, pulls like a demon and has all the usual Beemer qualities like top handling and steering feedback. And despite its performance abilities it turns in outstanding fuel consumption. The best of both worlds."
-Stuart Grant

AT A GLANCE:
Engine: Amazing flexibility = 10
Chassis: Almost race track perfect = 9
Transmission: Well selected = 8
Brakes: Brilliant = 9
Safety: Five star NCAP = 10
Handling: Superb = 9
Specification: Decent enough = 8
Cabin: Middle of the road BMW = 7
Styling: One of BMW's better ones = 8
Fun Factor: Surprisingly phenomenal = 9

Total: 87

VERDICT:
The ultimate sleeper for the suit and tie brigade who can?t shake their boy-racer.