light aircraft--businesslike analog dials placed for optimum visibility, key controls

placed within easy reach, everything illuminated in a reddish glow by night, to reduce

driver eyestrain.

Audio and climate controls are mounted well up in the center of the dash, and in a car

this size nothing is hard to reach.

The seats are typical BMW, which is to say sporty, supportive and long-haul

comfortable. The snug feeling augments the sporty character of the car, and 8-way

power adjustability makes the car tailorable for virtually any body type.

The basic upholstery material is a high-grade leatherette. Our test car's leather

seating was part of a $2625 Sports Package that also included an on-board computer,

16-in. aluminum alloy wheels with ZR-rated tires, plus a sportier seat configuration,

with more pronounced thigh and torso bolstering.

Front seat leg and headroom is ample, which is typical of most small sedans and

coupes. Rear seat legroom is a bit tight, but there's more of it than you might expect

in a car this size--almost as much as a Honda Accord, a pleasant surprise.

Standard equipment is consistent with what you'd expect in a car with pricing that

starts north of the $30,000 luxury frontier. In fact, it's more than consistent. Major

comfort/convenience features like automatic climate control, an AM/FM/cassette sound

system, power windows and mirrors, keyless remote entry, cruise control and even a

power sunroof.

Passive safety features are current with the automotive mainstream--dual airbags, side

impact protection and height-adjustable upper seatbelt anchors. BMW has begun

introducing side airbags in its more expensive models, but that technology hasn't

trickled down to this level yet. Traction control is available as an $1100 option.

Active safety is a stronger suit at BMW. The 328's combination of prompt handling

response and oustanding brakes give you a better chance of avoiding the crash to begin

with, which, of course, is infinitely preferable.