BABY BEEMER IS THE DADDY; ADAM STEVENS rates the fifth generation BMW 3 Series as the best car of its kind ever made.

Byline: ADAM STEVENS

CAN BMW do no wrong? On the evidence of their latest 3 Series, the answer would appear to be a pretty emphatic No.

Launched last weekend, the fifth generation baby Beamer faces a tough challenge.

Arch German rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz revised their A4 and C-Class models in preparation for the arrival of the new 3 Series while Jaguar's X-Type remains a strong contender.

But dealers needn't worry. The all-new model moves the game on to an entirely different playing field.

I'd really like to give the car a hard time, but I can't.

And that's from a diehard Jaguar enthusiast. I have to admit that this is quite simply the best compact executive saloon the marketplace has ever seen.

BMW's design and engineering teams have certainly pulled out all the stops creating this great new car and it really does show. For starters, consider the shape.

It is nowhere near as radical as the larger 5 or 7 Series models - and, therefore, won't offend the traditionalists - yet it is still suitably distinctive. The magnificent design is a coherent mix of soft curves and aggressive angles, which are matched by meticulous attention to detail.

A word of warning though - like the 5 Series, some of the smaller alloy wheel styles just don't look right so it's worth considering upgrading to one of the eight extra-cost styles.

One of the few criticisms directed towards the outgoing 3 Series was its restricted interior, but the new car is 78mm wider and 49mm longer. Doesn't sound like much, does it?

But it's enough to make it feel roomier for both driver and passengers. Also, the boot capacity has been boosted by 20 litres. Moving on to the main course, there is a delicious choice of substantial powertrains.

The initial launch line-up comprises 320i and 330i petrol engines, plus a 320d turbo diesel.

A 325i will come along in a couple of weeks, while 318i and 330d derivatives are expected before the end of this year.

Although the potent 163bhp 320d is likely to be the volume seller in the UK market (accounting for 45 per cent of sales), I reckon that private buyers are more likely to opt for the 320i petrol alternative.

The previous 320i was powered by a creamy smooth six-cylinder engine producing 170bhp, but the new 320i features the four-cylinder 1995cc engine.

It may be borrowed from the 1 Series, but don't be disappointed since the new unit is almost as smooth as its straight six predecessor and extremely efficient (38.2mpg combined). Performance-wise, it's also impressive. The 320i achieves 62mph from standstill in nine seconds and will storm on a 136mph maximum.

Keeping the engine on the boil requires constant shifting of the slick six-speed manual gearbox to keep up the momentum, but it is refined all the way up to the red line.

With sharp styling as a starter and plenty of power for the main course, the dessert is a tasty topping of feel-good factor.

Whether you're sitting in a gridlocked traffic jam or blasting along a favourite stretch of B-road, the3 Series still manages to make you feel special. Admittedly, few will drive their own 3 Series in a manner that they will be able to fully appreciate the sheer brilliance of the handling.

But the few who do will still be smiling long after they've parked up for the day.

Tenacious grip, communicative steering and a feeling of complete control from the rear-wheel drive chassis are the highlights.Yet this car is also a superbly-quiet motorway cruiser.

The brakes are also worthy of mention, as they feature a facility which detects a sharp lift from the accelerator and primes them in anticipation.

Completing the feel-good factor is the cabin. Those stepping into the 3 Series from a Volvo or Saab may find it cold and clinical, but the more miles I covered, the more I appreciated this masterpiece of design understatement.

Switchgear operates with military precision and everything is exactly where it should be. Thankfully BMW's computerised iDrive controller is relegated to the options list. BMW's 3 Series has always been rated as an accomplished driver's tool rather than an equipment-laden executive express and to a certain extent, this remains the case.

Standard versions feature a six-speed manual gearbox, air con, CD player, leather steering wheel, four electric windows, on-board computer and 16-inch alloys wearing run-flat tyres. Stepping up to ES grade adds front fogs and body-coloured exterior components.

To be honest though, the SE specification of my test car is the minimum most will expect. The SE sits on smarter alloys and boasts upgraded automatic air conditioning, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, rear PDC (Park Distance Control) and auto-dimming rear view mirrors.

Further personalisation is available from a lengthy extra-cost options list, which can all too quickly add up to pounds 5000 to the bill.

Overall, BMW's new 3 Series saloon may be pricey but it's way ahead of the competition in terms of desirability and driveability. If you can afford one, buy one.

FACTFILE Model: BMW 3 Series Engine: 3-litre V6 4dr to 6-litre W12 quattro LWB 4dr Top speed: 150-155mph 0-60mph: 5.2 to 9.9 seconds Price: pounds 46,175 to pounds 75,775 Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles On sale: Open for order