Old vs new BMW 3 Series: compare the styling changes

The new G20 BMW 3 Series has been revealed in blue - and is compared here to the outgoing F30 model in red

G20 changes focus on and around the famous BMW kidney grille, and include a new one piece surround plus a number of styling changes to the front bumper.

F30 featured less pronounced lines along the bonnet towards the kidney grille; the absence of a front radar in the lower section of the bumper (used for self-driving functions) was one less design challenge to overcome

G20 above, F30 below: Two character lines are the visual hallmark here, with the new car's emphasising the rear haunches. Trademark Hofmeister kink is also evident

G20: Slim design of rear headlamps in notable, as are the lines that sweep from the front, along the car's side and through into the rear

F30: While the update from this car is evident, it is also clear that BMW's designers have not strayed too dramatically from a winning formula. Widened track of the new car helps give it a sportier stance, however

G20: New car's interior treatments include metal strips to show off width of the cabin and to break up the potentially dour darkness of the dash materials. For the first time a digital dashboard is an option - although buyers can elect to keep the analogue dials

F30: Outgoing car was widely praised and remains a highly-recommended purchase even now, but one consistent criticism was that its cabin was overly dominated by dark materials