YOU’VE got to think that BMW channeled its inner Arnold Schwarzenegger when it released the previous-generation, F30 3 Series mid-size car in 2012.

By this point, the German brand’s most revered model had lost a lot of its mojo. Once the Ultimate Driving Machine, it didn’t rise to the same dynamic heights.

However, with the new-generation, G20 3 Series now in showrooms with a renewed focus on driving pleasure, it could represent a much-needed return to form.

So, after seven long years, has BMW delivered on its ‘I’ll be back’ promise? We put the 3 Series to test in value-packed 330i sedan form to find out.