EVO is the buzzword for high performance saloons yet so often it is only the power plant and handling package that has evolved. A truer track record of evolution is to be seen in the BMW 3 Series that has just undergone a fifth metamorphosis in 30 years, following on from the 2002 sports model.

The last model was not jaded - far from it, that accounted for more than half BMW's UK sales last year as the company's best-ever sales product here.

But the sleek coupe-style new 3 Series saloon - a traditional three-box four-door - is bigger, roomier, better, more dynamic, more technologically advanced as can be seen now, on the streets and in the showrooms.

It is also lighter, with body panels of varying thickness and including modern composites to provide extra strength precisely where needed.

A completely new car, the specification has been raised by taking technology from the 5, 6 and 7 Series, the wheelbase has been lengthened to increase rear legroom, and the boot is bigger.

Prices of the new 3 Series start from £21,090 for the 320i, rising to £28,455 for the 330I SE.

There are improved safety features, new engines and transmissions, and the latest softer walled run-flat tyres are fitted as standard.

At launch there were three new engines for class-leading performance, emissions and fuel economy.

The British-built 2.0 litre powerplant in the 320I delivers 150bhp and 200Nm torque to be the most powerful petrol four-cylinder in a non-M BMW for 0-62mph in nine seconds and 137mph maximum and 38.2mpg (combined).

Even more impressive, and expected to be the top seller, is the £22,890 2.0 litre diesel (320d) which produces 163bhp, and a whopping 340Nm torque for 0-62mph in 8.3secs and 140mph max with combined fuel economy of 49.6mpg.

Such is the torque that it accelerates from 50 to 75mph in fourth gear in just 6.5 seconds

The third engine is the all-alloy 3.0 litre petrol as fitted to the new 6 Series, which with 258bhp and 300Nm torque does the 0-62mph dash in 6.3secs, is capable of a limited 155mph and has overall fuel economy of 32.5mpg.

These three derivatives are now being joined by the £25,155 325I SE with 218bhp and 250Nm torque, to be followed later in the year by the 318I, 318d and 330d saloons.

All models have as standard a six-speed manual gearbox (with sequential automatic an option), air conditioning, BMW Professional radio/CD, six airbags, leather three-spoke steering wheel, all electric windows, onboard computer, rear seat Isofix child seat fittings, alloy wheels with run-flat tyres and dynamic stability control (DSC) with DSC+ on six-cylinder models.

DSC+ adds brake standby so that the brakes are primed when sensors indicate high demand is imminent, disc drying in wet weather, hill start assist, and compensation against brake fade.

Features on SE models include rear park distance control, larger alloy wheels, multi-function steering wheel and cruise control.

Of the three variants at launch my favourite was the 320d, with the diesel's muscular performance requiring fewer gear changes, closely followed by the 330I with the sporty engine note and speedy response.

But whichever you park in your drive, you know it will turn a few heads.