BMW 3 Series Touring review

As mentioned earlier, prices for the 3 Series Touring range kick off at £41,000 for a Sport-trimmed 320i, with the top end being the £59,735 M340i.

These are efficient cars. All engines do a great job, versus their particular rivals, of stretching economy against performance. The 320d in rear-wheel drive form that we tested rates better than 55mpg and does 0-62 in 7.2 seconds. If you want to go petrol, the 320i claims just over 40mpg in return for 181bhp, with the 330i is barely less efficient and produces 242bhp.

If company-car tax is critical, go for the 330e PHEV. This is the first time it's been available as a Touring, and it does have a hump halfway along the boot floor, to cover the plug-in battery. The electric range is a realistic 30-miles-plus from a substantial 12kWh battery. Plus, when the engine and motor work together it's faster than the 330i, with the 330e managing 5.9 seconds to 62mph and the 330i 6.1.

The new 3 Series also has competitive equipment. The 'base' spec is now Sport, rolling on 17-inch wheels. It has auto tailgate, LED headlights, the fancy curved infotainment display (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity) and heated seats. Above that, M Sport brings some Alcantara to the interior, plus 18-inch wheels and angrier exterior styling.