Second round finalist: BMW's 3-Series has no shortage of fans.
Whack the 3.0-litre twin-turbo powerplant under the serious-looking snout and the exec-express sedan is an A-grade Q-car.
With 225kW and 400Nm on offer there's fun to be had, but while it can outpace the rest of the field here there's a piper to be paid. The engine is lagless and muscular, with a feral howl and torque to satisfy most demands.
BMW has a habit of optioning up the test cars and this sedan is no exception _ a $2750 electric sunroof, metallic paint for $1600 and the $4500 M-Pack which brings sports wheels, sports suspension and a host of M-stamped bits and pieces.
It was the M suspension which brought the 335i back to the field everywhere but the racetrack. There is a reason why BMW's lauded M Division does not pair run-flat tyres with its M suspension. On the 335i the combination manifested with skittish behaviour over mid-corner bumps that failed to fluster most others and a ride quality away from the track that was difficult to excuse.
Check out the video below and let us know if you think this is a worthy Car of the Year nominee.
For all the latest on the carsguide Car Of The Year each week go to www.carsguide.com.au/caroftheyear
Cheap tyres 
HSV launches 
Mazda 121 
Hyundai ix35
Page 1 of 1