2006 BMW 3-Series Road Test

If you want to go into more detail about exactly what each feature that I mentioned above does, or would like to find out

BMW didn't need to upgrade the old model's interior quality any, as it was already class-leading. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

more information about other standard features, make sure and read the preview I wrote about the new 3-Series as featured within this website. I go into painstaking detail, and also spend more time dissecting the car's unique styling.

At that time, however, I spoke about the 3's increased dimensions, but hadn't yet experienced the increased interior room first hand. What a difference a generation makes! The extra space is most evident in the rear seating area, where there's now ample room for two large adults to get comfortable and stay that way over a long journey.

BMW didn't need to upgrade the old model's interior quality any, as it was already class-leading. Still, the design has been modified to integrate the optional second navigation binnacle, which sits overtop the centre stack. Personally, I like the simple lines of the non-Nav dashboard, but to each

There's no better sports sedan on the market. A new benchmark? Without a doubt. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

his/her own. What matters most, is that the new 3 is every bit as well put together as the old one.

I should also mention that the 325i and 330i will be available with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system in October, which is when the new 3-Series Touring, a sports wagon derivative, will arrive in dealerships. While there is no word on pricing for the 325xi, 330xi or the Touring version, the latter expected in 325i and 325xi derivatives, expect each model's final window sticker to remain close to 2005 levels.