THE fourth iteration of the most popular selling BMW line - the E46 Series - is the biggest, heaviest and strongest 3 Series ever. The 1.9-litre 318i, as previously, is no powerhouse but ride and handling are upgraded, along with a larger interior, especially in the back, and ever higher levels of safety.

There are no less than eight airbags, along with further improvements to structural design. Impeccable quality and clever design abound.