The saloon comes out first, so it's always regarded as the definitive edition. But as far as I'm concerned, the Touring is a much more interesting proposition.

It's just as good to drive, looks better and is a whole lot more use. Besides, there's a generational thing going on here: four-door saloons are for our parents aren't they? And it stands to reason, we'll never be as old as them.

The world is beginning to agree with me, too. Across Europe, Touring sales have nearly caught saloons, and now the Touring is the second 3-Series to be launched. Time was it always came limping in behind the coupe and cabrio.

BMW announces proudly that the new Touring is bigger and better than the old one, but, er, so what? If wasn't they'd carry on with the old one wouldn't they? But the extra size has been pretty well used here. The boot shape is an even box.

Under its floor hides a big bin (no spare wheel, see - runflats as standard) that can be divvied up into containers for odd-shaped items, and a range of other boxes, nets and clips so most things should be tied down well enough to resist the style of driving this car encourages.

There are also a couple of waterproof mats to stop it smelling too rancid after your wet mucky kit, dog or kids have been in.

Oddly, some of this comes as an option pack at £160, proving that either a) BMW knows some people will be buying the car alone, or b) it still knows how to rip off its public. An impression heightened by the decidedly non-giveaway prices. The one everyone buys, the 320d, kicks off at £24,875.

Provided you aren't on carbon dioxide-penalised company tax, the 325i looks like a temptation, at only £1,000 more than the diesel.

For that you get an excellent engine; six cylinders, lightweight, economical for a petrol, deliciously sweet and quiet all the way to 7,000rpm. You have to use the gearbox a lot, but the results are terrific if you do. The diesel is good for its type, meaning effective but hardly polished.

The petrol, on the other hand, is as special as the rest of the car. And the handling is as great as the saloon. It just takes everything in its stride, and empathises with whatever mood you're in. There's no rival like it.

Just don't waste cash on the gluey and vague Active Steering option. Spend it on something bulky from the summer sales. You'll have plenty of room to cart it home.

Paul Horrell

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