SPORTY GOOD LOOKS The facelift for the BMW 3 Series will keep it fresh for a few more years before the new model arrives

By Justin Lee

THE BMW 3 Series has just undergone a refresh to keep it competitive among newer rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A4.

It will be revealed at the upcoming Paris Motor Show in October.

At the front, the car gains a redesigned bumper, new double kidney grilles, a contoured bonnet and reworked headlamps with LED indicators. There are also new wing mirrors and doorsills. At the rear, redesigned tail lamps with LED lighting strips and a new bumper complete the list of exterior changes.

The interior gains a revised armrest for the driver’s door and an updated iDrive controller with four selection buttons surrounding it.

A new seven-speed double clutch semi-automatic transmission will make its debut on the 335i Coupe and Convertible.

Engines and transmissions will most likely remain the same as those on the outgoing car. The local introduction for the facelifted 3 Series is expected to be at the end of this year.