New 2012 BMW 3-series pix leaked 15 | 08 | 2011

NOW, LOOK HARD and you might just spot the difference: these are the first leaked images of BMW's all-new 3-series which doesn't go on sale until next year.

Ok, they're not the best photographs you're ever likely to see, but what do you really expect of low-res pix uploaded on to the website by some 'mystery' photographer?

There's a little bit of me that just wonders: "BMW's not daft, and it's unlikely to have allowed a completely undisguised 2012 3-series on to the streets … so this might just be a clever ploy by the German manufacturer to generate some pre-launch publicity for the car."

To be honest; who really cares? The 3-series Beemer is one of the most popular cars on the streets, so any 'first glimpse' is going to be worthwhile.

See more photographs of the 2012 BMW 3-series

And that first glimpse confirms that not a lot really has changed from the current model. The new model maintains pretty much the same proportions as the outgoing one, while at the same time successfully mixing in styling elements from both the new 5-series and the new 1-series.

The 3-series isn't a multi-million seller for nothing, so no way was BMW going to radically change the car's styling. That said, the big changes take place under the skin.

The majority of petrol-engined range will consist of turbocharged four-cylinder powerplants including the 2.0-litre 184hp 320i and 245hp 328i models; six-cylinders will only appear in the range-topping 3.0 turbocharged 335i. When the M3 makes its appearance, it will also get a six-cylinder.

When it goes on sale next year, the new 3-series will also have a comprehensive selection of four- and six-cylinder diesels.

Read our road test of the all-new Range Rover Evoque

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Jim McGill