BMW 3 Series

Our verdict

The apparent ubiquity of the BMW 3-Series doesn’t detract from the fact that it has been the benchmark small saloon for many years, and continues to be the car to beat in this sector.

Comfort

BMW's obsession with run-flat tyres has buggered the ride quality, and an inherently sporting set-up means that a BMW feels a bit stiff compared to non-German rivals. The 3-series is pretty good on space though, and all BMWs are usually quiet and accomplished cruisers.

9 out of 20

Performance

The lower-powered four-cylinders - 318i and 318d - are decent, plus the 320i, 320d and 323d which add a dash of performance to the equation and the five straight-six variants - 325i, 330i, 335i, 330d and 335d - which are all fast. But the diesels rock! The brilliant 320d gets 177bhp, hits 62mph in 7.9 seconds and runs to 143mph and, if you want performance and economy then go for one of the best diesel engines in the world; the twin-turbo 335d,with 286bhp, 62mph in 6.2 seconds, 155mph and 42.2mpg.

16 out of 20

Cool

All the big diesel cars are pretty cool. But a de-badged 318i with ‘M-Sport' written all over it will make people want to hit you in the face with a hammer. And hammer wounds aren't cool.

12 out of 20

Quality

It's one of the things that makes a 3-series so coveted; the build quality and general feel is exceptional. You pay for the privilege, but the solidity is there.

13 out of 20

Handling

All Threes are superlative handlers thanks to a rear-wheel-drive only (in the UK, at least) architecture. BMW knows how to make a chassis work, from the lowliest 318i to the bigger-engined ‘M' cars. The steering is also one of the best things about any BMW and they're perhaps the most instantly sporty-feeling of any saloon.

14 out of 20

Practicality

Don't forget the Touring variants if space is your final frontier- they work exceptionally well though they aren't the biggest in class. The saloon has a pretty big boot on its own though - 460 litres outpacks a Lexus IS250 at 378litres by a whole wardrobe. BMWs don't generally break, and cope with high mileages. This is a practical car.

9 out of 20

Running costs

It might be expensive to buy, but any Three holds its value well. The diesels are desired all day long, but the 320d gets 50mpg, a 17 percent tax hit and decent performance. Insurance is relatively high though -think Group 18, especially on the big six petrols.

3 out of 20