Getting the best out of life often means compromising. Hearing that the 3-Series BMW is acknowledged as being the best car in its class, for the last 30 years, and fond memories of a mid-eighties 325i in mind, I was eager to try the fifth generation 325i in order to see if BMW had to compromise the legendary 3-Series in an attempt to remain at the top of the game and clear of all the other fish in the motoring sea.

With the launch of the E90 3-Series, BMW upped the technology with the introduction of a lighter engine which makes use of a revolutionary magnesium construction crankcase, crankshaft bearings and the cylinder head cover.

A Valvetronic system speeds up the engine response while the new five-arm rear axle and double-arm front axle with optional Active Steering help to transfer the power to the road and maintain control.

Externally the car is awesome, the mixture of soft bodylines and hard chiseled edges is superb and dictates the car's low front to high rear poise. Added to this specific example were a set of 18-inch wheels which enhance the desired sophisticated but athletic image.

As is expected, a modern rendition of the kidney shaped grille heads up the car, while swooping headlights draw your eye backwards and down the carved flanks and on to the toned rear.

By increasing the external dimensions, designers have managed to enlarge the internal size, increasing passenger room and incorporating more equipment like the standard with six airbags occupant safety system.

In typical BMW style the interior has been handled simply, stylishly and to an exceptional standard. Leather seats support the body and a number of controls enable a vast amount of fine adjustments, however the seats have surprisingly remained manually adjustable.

Circular gauges are simple and clearly visible while the BMW iDrive system is straightforward to operate and combines with an easy-to-read display. All the expected creature comforts are cleverly disguised in a blend of sumptuous white and black leather that contrasts the with racy yet tasteful brushed aluminium.

With 160kW at 6500rpm and maximum torque of 250Nm between 2750 and 4250rpm being transferred through a six-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels, the 325i is no slouch. Quick positive gear changes are possible and the Active Steering coupled to an excellent weight distribution make for confidence-inspiring handling.

Driving the car is pleasurable, smooth comfortable and classy. Unfortunately the 325i it lacks the much anticipated excitement that I was expecting.

The interior speaks in volumes with an excellent combination that creates a dynamic and elegant sports saloon feel, but unfortunately the performance does not meet the muscular expectations created by the awesome appearance.

Perhaps I look through rose tinted glasses at the original 325i ? it conjures up images of a driver's car while the new version, although still athletic, has been refined and lost some of it's raw character while evolving into a luxury act.