Known internally as the G20 and being the latest model to ride on the automaker’s CLAR platform, the new Three measures 4 709mm in overall length, 85mm longer than the outgoing F30, with a wheelbase elongated by 41mm to 2 851mm, height one millimetre taller at 1 442mm and width 16mm wider at 1 827mm.

Ticking the scales at 55kg less than before, and also sitting 10mm closer to the ground as previously indicated, the G20 borrows styling from both the current 5-and 7-series, with the rear also incorporating elements from the X4 in the new all-LED taillights. As before, the optional M Sport exterior pack adds a model specific bodykit and a bespoke new Portimao Blue Metallic hue.

In addition to being new outside, the G20 has been extensively redesigned underneath its skin, with the biggest development being a new lift-related damping system designed to smoothen out imperfections and according to BMW, provide “a unique balance between sporty flair and ride comfort”.

This setup comes fitted as standard with the optional M Sport adaptive suspension, which drops the overall ride height by a further 10mm, and which also adds 18-inch alloy wheels and BMW’s new variable sports steering system. A further option is the M Sport brake identified by blue painted brake calipers and M Sport differential available only on flagship models.

Aside from the M Sport, the Three will be offered in a choice of three other trim levels in Europe; Advantage, Sport Line and Luxury Line each bringing their own assortment of unique exterior and interior trim pieces, with the cabin itself now sporting similarities with the 8-series and X5 in that its boasts the new 10.25-inch iDrive infotainment system with 7.0 operating system, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and colour Heads-Up Display.

New on the technology side is BMW’s voice activation system that uses the phrase “Hey BMW” similar to Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX, as well as ambient lighting, Adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight function, BMW Connected Drive, Active Cruise Control and on the entertainment side, an optional 16-speaker, 464-watt Harman Kardon sound system.

On the safety and driver assistance side, the G20 features tech, either standard or optional, such as  Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Collision Prevention with Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Assistant and Priority Warning with Wrong-Way Warning, Parking Assistant's with Reversing Assist and the BMW Digital Key.

Up front, the 3-series will initially be offered with a choice of three turbo-petrol engines and three turbodiesels, with a hybrid confirmed to arrive next year. Transmission-wise, only the entry-level oil burners are available with a six-speed manual gearbox, with the remainder of the range featuring the eight-speed Steptronic ‘box.

With the exception of the M340i, petrol power is capped at 2.0-litres and four-cylinders with the unit in the 320i producing 135kW/300Nm and the mill in the 330i 190kW/400Nm. Although no top speed figures for either model were revealed, BMW claims that the former will complete the 0-100km/h dash in 7.2 seconds and the latter in 6.8 seconds. In certain markets, both will also have the option of xDrive all-wheel drive.

The aforementioned M340i meanwhile rates as the sole six-cylinder petrol model available with the all-new 3.0-litre straight-six punching out 275kW/500Nm, teamed to a sports-focused version of the eight-speed Steptronic ‘box and xDrive all-wheel drive. According to BMW, this setup translates to a limited top speed of 250km/h and 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds.

Despite previous reports that the G20 will make extensive use of hybrid technology, the sole model, for now, will be the 330e plug-in hybrid that pairs the smaller four-cylinder engine with an electric motor capable of producing from 185kW to 215kW, and with an all-electric range of 60km. In this guise, BMW claims a miserly low fuel consumption of 1.7-litres/100km and 0-100km/h in six seconds.

Providing diesel power, the entry-level 318d and 320d both utilise a 2.0-litre motor with twin-stage turbocharging, helping to produce 110kW/320Nm and 140kW/400Nm respectively. Unlike the petrol options, both oil burners are fitted as standard with the mentioned six-speed manual ‘box, though the 320d does have the added option of the xDrive system.

In-terms of acceleration, the 318d will sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds with the automatic taking 8.4 seconds, while the 320d takes 7.1 and 6.8 seconds with the added xDrive traction resulting in a time of 6.9 seconds.

Sitting at the top of the diesel range, the 330d joins the M340i in being the only six-cylinder models available for now, with its 3.0-litre unit making 195kW/580Nm, allowing for the 0-100km/h dash to be completed in 5.5 seconds. Unlike its petrol sibling however, the 330d will send its amount of twist to the rear wheels only through the eight-speed ‘box.

In Europe, sales of the G20 will kick-off in November with UK pricing from £33 610 (R625 387). BMW South Africa has confirmed that the G20 will become in March next year.