BMW 3 Series Touring review

As mentioned earlier, prices for the 3 Series Touring range kick off at £43,930 for a Sport-trimmed 320i, with the top end being the £63,880 M340i. On lease deals through BMW themselves you’re looking at about £600 a month for the former, a little over £1,000 for the M340i.

The 3 Series also has competitive equipment. The 'base' spec is now Sport, rolling on 17-inch wheels. It has an electric 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 for not much more money. It’s the trim everyone wants. You’ll thank us when you come to resell.

These are efficient cars. All engines do a great job, versus their particular rivals, of stretching economy against performance. 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 raised boot floor, to accommodate the plug-in battery. The electric range is a realistic 50 miles or more from a substantial 19kWh battery.