BMW 330d M Sport: Sports Car, Comfortable Cruiser And Occasional Flying Object

The 330d is so good, you'd think it could walk on water...

There are few cars that shine in all aspects of motoring. Some cars might offer 250mph+ top speeds but be deemed ugly, while others may be brilliant through the bends but brutal with your bank balance.

The obvious exception to the above is the Ford Fiesta ST, a firm CT favourite and definite member of my imaginary three-car garage. It's inexpensive to buy new, good looking and hugely entertaining to drive. If you haven't done so already, I'd urge you to try one.

Another car that excels in all areas is the BMW F30 330d M Sport. Why? Because it's anything you want it to be; sports car, status symbol, comfortable cruiser and high flyer all in one.

Taking flying lessons, the 330d M Sport way

Power is taken care of by an athletic 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine, which produces 258bhp and a walloping 413lb/ft of torque. Performance? You bet. Thanks to its seamless eight-speed automatic 'box, the 330d dispatches 62mph from dead in 5.6 seconds and tops out at a limited 155mph. (That's hugely impressive for a car that'll also return over 57mpg...)

The 330d is hugely fast in a straight line, yet doesn't have a chronic drinking problem

BMW being BMW, the F30's steering and handling get a vigorous thumbs up too. Steering is tight and quick and there's great feedback through the wheel. It's also nice and weighty, so there's next to no fidgeting mid corner. Despite the M Sport set-up and big wheels, the 330d rides smoothly and comfortably, yet is firm enough to let you know it's ready to have fun should you wish to bury the throttle and explore the engine's huge torque and the tyres' grip limits.

Despite riding on low-profile rubber, the 330d rides exceptionally smoothly

Inside the 330d M Sport, you're swathed in the usual luxuries - leather, big screens, sports seats, handsome BMW steering wheel and gadgets. Thankfully, BMW avoided fitting an electronic parking brake, a feature I hate more than being punched in the kidney. The reason? Not for lack of handbrake turns, but because I'm the type of person who presses buttons because I know I shouldn't. If you've ever pulled an e-brake at 10mph 'to see what happens' you'll understand...the same goes for bored passengers who have a habit of becoming obsessed with the thing too.

The interior is classy and very well appointed. And look, no electronic parking brake!

For a sensible diesel, the M Sport doesn't half sound bad either. The straight-six produces a pleasing growl when you poke it (as good as it gets from an oil burner), yet idles quietly.

The F30's looks aren't to everyone's tastes, but in M Sport guise, you'll agree that it's one sexy saloon. The font and rear bumpers are bold and aggressive, the side skirts give the car a low and squat look and wheels fill the flared arches fully. As for the colour, you can't deny it's one of the best you'll find on a modern car.

Super saloon styling, diesel economy and sports car performance. What more can you ask for?

Of course, a car as complete as this doesn't come cheap. Starting prices for a 330d M Sport kick off from £36,975 before options, but when you're getting a car that fulfils every important aspect of motoring - fun, performance, style, frugality and safety - it's a price I'd feel comfortable paying if I were in the market.