If you wanted to make some sweeping generalised statement like 'the BMW Compact is among the very best handling hatchbacks you can get', then I'd have a hard time disagreeing. If, emboldened by this, you went on to say that 'BMW diesel engines are among the finest oil-burners in use today' then you won't hear me arguing.

So now that there's a BMW Compact with a diesel engine, the 320 TD, then what we have here is a great handling, fine performing diesel hatchback. Sorry, you must be sick to the back teeth of Beemers getting such glowing write-ups in car mags. But there is a reason for that - they deserve them.

It's not just that the Compact is rear-wheel drive, though that's fairly unusual. Forget the macho oversteering posturing that rear-driven cars imply and instead appreciate the balance of the chassis. Then while we have our tasty handling cake, the comfortable ride means that we can also eat it.

The refined four-cylinder diesel engine is turbocharged and employs balancer shafts to help smooth out vibrations. Its power output of 150bhp is nice enough, but its peak torque figure of 243lb ft surpasses that of a Porsche Boxster S. That's a nice bit of muscle. While its emissions will annoy the Chancellor, being a tax-busting 148 grams per kilometre.

If you had decided that in SE trim, the 320 TD Compact's price tag of #20,260 is a hefty chunk of change for a three-door hatch, I wouldn't dispute it. But it is a quality motor.

Though if you wanted to say that 'BMW Compacts look awful and the company's chief designer should be sent to work in Accounts where he can't wreak his creative havoc', I'd have to counter that by saying that such aesthetic matters are purely subjective. But I know what you mean.

VERDICT:
The best-handling, riding and performing diesel hatchback there is

Colin Ryan

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