THE RULE OF THREE

The continuing-nay, growing-popularity of the BMW 3 Series during the SUV revolution is worthy of not just celebration but also examination. Vicky Parrott uncovers its secrets to success

- Vicky Parrott

I've occasionally wondered how long it was from when The Autocar was first published in late 1895 to when one of its journalists asked the question: "How much does it matter if an everyday car is really good to drive?"

Now, this seems like a non-question to us, because we consider it critical how well a car drives. But as car makers become more focused on technology and connectivity, it's easy to see why some might argue that people don't care about finer dynamics. So long as the car is safe and easy to drive, it will be fit for purpose. Head to almost any manufacturer's online configurator and you're nearly always asked about trim selection before you're asked what engine you want. Such is the priority order of style and equipment over performance and dynamics for most car buyers.

I remember discussing this point with your friend and mine, Matt Prior, for the first time many, many years ago. We came back to the irrefutable fact that, regardless of whether the driver is really able to articulate why they like it or not, a car that handles and rides beautifully will make a driver feel more confident than will a car that's just all right.

After all, that non-enthusiast motorist might have bought the car because it had wireless Apple CarPlay and adaptive cruise control, but the fact that it also has a spectacularly well-sorted secondary ride and easy-to-modulate brakes might well be the reason why they go back and buy that model or brand of car again. It doesn't really matter if the driver doesn't consciously appreciate the dynamics so long as those dynamics are doing their thing anyway.