All earthly creatures have been in a race for survival for aeons. The quicker and shrewder they are, the smarter, stealthier and speedier the raider becomes. Natural selection sees to it that those with inappropriate gene pools will fail - and die out.

Our three rivals on show here: the newly launched BMW 330d, Audi A4 3.0TDI and Mercedes-Benz C320 CDI all represent the best of their breed. And as in the animal world, the genes of their predecessors are bred into them to stay ahead of the game.

But in the motoring world the stalking marauders stalk them for a different reason — the desire to own them. The more individual, standout comparative features one car has over the others, the more buyers it attracts to stay at the top.

However the new BMW 3-Series has one advantage here — it’s the latest arrival on the scene, albeit it’s a comprehensive update rather than an all new model, but beneath the skin the 330d is imbued with the latest genes.

On the outside, the 3 has been subtly but effectively improved, especially when viewed from the front where the increased width together with the bolder grille and new double, circular, optional Xenon headlights with chrome tubes and corona rings are standouts.

Yes, the Audi A4 does get close but good looks are gained more by its classical, flatter, uncluttered shape. The Merc C is attractive, but seems a little too cute by comparison.

When it comes to the silhouette, the 3-Series shape is now more ‘swoopy’ with those rising, accentuated and arresting character lines. Chief honcho designer, Bangle, seems finally to have mastered those complex flame-shapes he has at times become unpopular with. The rear, which was already good on the eye, is further enhanced to appear more assertive with redesigned rear bumpers, rear lights and boot handle.

Gripping the road

And when you compare road holding characteristics, these giants of the premium mid-size segment market are as difficult to compare as tenors Domingo, Carreras and Pavarotti. However, the widened track and other suspension tweaks have kept the 3-Series at top of the pile. Perhaps a trite tauter than its two rivals in ride comfort, the 3’s ultra-positive reactions to steering inputs and road feel enthral.

Recognised as the road holding king over the last decade or so, the 3 Series five-link rear end suspension is based on liberal use of aluminium. In fact BMW pioneered the system in the 3-Series over the last decade or so - the dual-arm tension strut axle with stabiliser at the front is also proof of this. But that BMW driver feel is more noticeable and no doubt thanks to the electro-mechanical steering system with integrated Servotronic function that offers speed-related steering support.

However the Audi is also fitted with a light five-link front and trapezoidal-link rear suspension but somehow does not match the positive road manners of the rear-driven BMW, but the Audi is still among the best FWD handlers we’ve ever tested.

The Merc is rear-driven but has a less sophisticated three-link front suspension with a reasonable multi-link layout at the rear, and while really good around corners cannot quite match the Beemer either, but it comes surprisingly close. So all three cars handle corners brilliantly, but the BMW with a slight edge and that brilliantly communicative steering feel is the cherry on top and makes it the most fun to throw through bends.

» The battle continues on page 2...