A real knockout!

With a population of 20 million people it must be pretty easy to be swallowed up by the heaving, swarming, sauna-like city that is Manila.

But one individual, in particular, has dragged himself from a destined life of poverty in the Phillipines capital to become the greatest pound-for-pound boxer ever - one Manny Pacquiao.

Best known as "Pac-Man", he has dominated the fight scene for the past decade and is the only boxer ever to have won 10 world titles.

The thing is, though, if you ever happen to bump into him, you wouldn't give him a second glance.

Normally unshaven, hair unkempt and casually dressed, the humble Pacquiao does not exude the image - or, for that matter, attitude - one would normally associate with a sportsman of his ilk.

That's outside the ring.

But when he strips down, put on his gloves and enters his "office", he dons a a whole new persona.

It is a case of game-on!

Gone is the nondescript appearance, to be replaced by a fighting machine who simply lets his hands do the talking.

So it came as no surprise to learn that the "Pac-Man" has a BMW as one of his cars. And it would not surprise me if it is the 335i.

Why? Well, there is the old saying that "a car reflects its owner" - and the 335i reflects Pacquiao perfectly.

Apart from those 18-inch rims, long wheel-base, short overhangs and small badge on the boot, the two-door coupé could easily pass as just another Beemer.

It is what MotorMania colleague Thomas Falkiner refers to as a "sleeper" - something that flies under the radar but gets stares and nods of approval from those in the know. Understated it may be, but only the best has gone into this brute.

The combination of luxury leather and brushed aluminium works a treat - and little luxuries one can expect to find on the 335i include a multi-function steering wheel, dual climate control and an excellent sound system.

Then there is that six-cylinder petrol engine that coughs up an impressive 225kW of serious grunt.

The Twin Scroll turbocharger is never far from the action - and "turbo lag" is not part of this car's DNA, as it kicks in seamlessly.

Our test vehicle came equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox which gives short, swift changes.

The clutch, as one would expect in a car like the 335i, gives the left leg a decent workout - as it is sports-car stiff and takes a little getting used to.

A novel idea is the seatbelt handover function for the front passengers.

It is basically an "arm" that brings the seatbelt within reasonable distance of the driver once the seat is occupied.

Fire up the engine and do a little tap-dance on the accelerator and it provides a deep baritone growl that is guaranteed to scare the neighbours before the sun comes up.

And while it behaves itself when you hold back those horsepowers, tap into its dark side and you will definitely not be disappointed.

You can actually feel that raw power bubbling under the bonnet and, when you plant your foot, just make sure your back is in good shape because it will be forced into the seat with the ferocity of a body slam.

The driving dynamics of the 335i admittedly take little getting used to. This is definitely not some "mom's taxi" that you will use on the school-run.

No, it will be owned and driven by those looking for a great, daily driving experience.

The brakes are precise, the handling around corners secure and reassuring and, even as you try to get a little twitch from the rear, traction and stability control keeps you on the straight and narrow.

Understated yet impressive, brutal yet refined.

Yep, that's the 335i for you ... a real knockout.

Just like the Pac-Man!

The Specs:

Engine: 2979cc six-cylinder petrol

Power: 225kW at 5800rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1200rpm to 5000rpm

0-100km/h: 5.5 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 250km/h (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 9.1l/100km (claimed/combined)

CO2 emissions: 212g/km

Price: R628000

WE LIKE:

Understated class

Awesome engine

WE DON'T LIKE:

We are sorry for those sitting in the back!