THE new 3 Series brings small car safety to new levels with the standard fitment of no less than eight airbags, though a lap-only belt for the centre rear passenger comes as a disappointment. A vast array of electronic gizmos are provided to maintain the car's composure, including ASC+T (traction control), ABS (anti-lock braking system) and CBC (cornering brake control). With the exception of the comprehensive safety package, the standard equipment for the base 318i covers little more than the bare electronic essentials, but the enormous array of options and models throughout the line-up means there's a 3 Series for everyone - almost.