The 330i will pull strongly in most gears, reducing the need to downshift when spiriting it ahead of slower traffic. This also means that off-the-line acceleration

BMW claims a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds when the 6-speed manual transmission is employed. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

is forceful from the get-go; no need here to wait for the mill to wind itself up before peak acceleration sets in. BMW claims a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds when the 6-speed manual transmission is employed, of which my tester was equipped. It clicked from cog to cog with deft precision through a stick that fell naturally to hand. Throws were a little longer than those found in some competitors, but the Beemer's clutch actuated with such smoothness that each shift became something to savour.

Good brakes may not be something to savour as much as something to appreciate, and appreciate I did when it came to freeze-framing the 330i. BMW stocks this model with antilock 4-wheel vented disc brakes. To be fair, I didn't measure stopping distances, but nonetheless I will vouch for how effective these binders are.

BMW stocks this model with antilock 4-wheel vented disc brakes. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

I don't think I have ever experienced quicker stops in any previous 4-door tester - period.

BMW has attached a wallop of technology to the 330i's brake system including: Brake Standby - if the driver's foot is quickly removed from the accelerator pedal, the brake system will pretension for more immediate brake response; Brake Drying - in wet conditions the brake pads are gently applied to the rotors rubbing them dry; Start-Off Assist - when starting on a hill, the brakes prevent the vehicle from rolling back as the clutch is engaged; Fade Compensation - as the brake temperature rises, brake pressure is automatically increased to compensate for fade; Soft Stop - when gently braking to a stop, Soft Stop ensures a smooth, jerk-free stopping action.