With all the secretive...

With all the secretive tape and plastic disguising removed, we can finally see how company design boss Chris Bangle"s team has gone to work on the Mercedes C-Class rival. It"s immediately clear the maker hasn"t shied away from its current controversial styling theme - and this will make the 3 one of the most distinctive cars in its class.

In profile, the new model closely resembles the 5-Series, while the sharply sculpted headlights are similar to those of the smaller 1-Series and X3 off-roader. However, it"s the rear where the newcomer sets itself apart from the rest of the range, with a neat bootlip spoiler and conservative tail-lamp clusters.

But our pictures run deeper than a glimpse at the bodywork, as we can show you inside, too! And if you thought the exterior echoed the 5-Series, take a look at the cabin - BMW has fitted a scaled-down version of the executive model"s interior. Some buyers will be anxious at the sight of the controversial iDrive control system, while an engine start button, replacing the current car"s key ignition, will also feature.

Based on a lengthened 1-Series platform, the next-generation 3-Series has a wheelbase which is 35mm longer than the current version"s, while 17mm has been added to the track front and rear. This will contribute to improved chassis dynamics for the new 3-Series - which company bosses hope will keep keen drivers loyal to the BMW brand.

When the new model goes on sale in the UK next summer, the line-up will consist of 320i, 325i, 330i petrol versions and the 320d oil-burner. That means the fastest variant at launch will be the six-cylinder 330i, which will deliver 255bhp and sprint from 0-60mph in 7.0 seconds.

Diesel power is taking an increasing share of every market sector, and the 320d is tipped to account for a large proportion of 3-Series sales. The powerplant is likely to be reworked for the new model, and will use its 161bhp and 340Nm of torque to cover the 0-60mph dash in 8.2 seconds. The 3-Series line-up is expected to expand in the future, with the addition of a larger diesel and more high-performance variants, including a sizzling M3, due in 2007.

Even though Auto Express readers are learning all about the new 3-Series today, the general public will have to wait until the Geneva Motor Show in March to see the car in the metal. Following the launch of the four-door saloon next summer, the estate version - as always, badged the Touring - will appear in showrooms late in 2006.