BMW 3 Series

Due to the complicated way Alpina orders its cars from BMW - well, not ‘orders', ‘gets', because Alpinas are actually built on BMW's production line - it's impossible to spec BMW extras on an Alpina without paying a £1,500 ‘bespoke order charge'. Then you can specify to your heart's content, and many buyers do.

But until now, the Alpina D3 Biturbo only came in one fairly basic 3-Series spec inside, with no nav. To get the nav, you had to pay for the system itself, and also pay that darned bespoke order charge. Which is why Alpina has introduced this ‘Lux' version of the D3, which includes nav, Bluetooth, climate control and black high-gloss trim, but with no extra fee attached. 

See more pics of the Alpina D3 LUX

As I said: complicated. But the message is this - at £33,950, £3,300 more than the standard D3, this Lux is the one to have. And this is one of the very best ‘real' cars in the world. Remember it has the superb twin-turbo diesel from the 123d under its bonnet, fettled by Alpina to 211bhp and 332lb ft. The standard 3-Series doesn't get that motor.

A tremendous machine then - fast, efficient, good-looking, big enough for most people and now with kit. Comes as an estate and a saloon. For complete ‘best car in the real world' status, go for the wagon.

Bill Thomas

On your drive for: £721pcm
Performance: 0-62mph in 6.9secs,
max speed 152mph, 52.2mpg
Tech: 1995cc, 4cyl, RWD, 211bhp, 332lb ft, 1480kg, 144g/km CO2