BMW 3 Series Coupe 320d M Sport Auto 2dr Car Review - January 2012

The M Sport upgrades are always divisive, with some people preferring the suspension giving more feedback and the sharper handling, while others will want a smoother ride. The good engine performance is great for those who are looking forward to enjoying the handling, and with a 0-60mph time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 147mph, there is certainly plenty of performance to impress those who are interested in the sheer power of the car.

The handling is also very good, and although the ride may be a little too firm for some people, it is well worth getting behind the wheel of this car. Although the larger petrol engines may be even more fun, this particular model gives drivers the balance of performance and practicality they will want from a business car that is also fun.

One are in which the 3 series coupe is a little underwhelming is in the looks department, and even with the addition of alloy wheels as standard it still doesn't look particularly sporty. Being very close in shape to the saloon version, the coupe looks much like the rest of the range and is sleek and typically BMW.

The real benefits of this model will become apparent when you get inside the cabin, and with powered leather seats as standard then it is certainly a comfortable place to be. Cruise control is also a welcome addition for those who will be spending a lot of time on the motorway, and the rear parking sensor is also useful. However, those who will be using the car for business purposes may want to add the Bluetooth and hands free phone functionality.

Although the coupe is a two door car, the spacious rear seats mean it can comfortably accommodate four people, and the boot space is also ample. The console controls are well designed and easy to use, and there are plenty of cubby holes and storage options for those who will be travelling regularly. The three year unlimited mileage warranty is pretty typical of the offerings available with cars in the class, as is the three years breakdown cover.

The 3 series has received excellent results from the Euro NCAP tests, but the one problem is that it isn't considered to be a successful car in terms of safety for pedestrians if they are caught in an accident. For those within the cabin they have the typical array of airbags and side impact bars, and driving aids such as ESP and traction control also help keep the driver safe when they are testing the limits of the car. The security features such as the alarm and immobiliser are typical of the offerings from BMW, but one interesting feature is the option for satellite tracking of the car as an extra.

This version of the 3 Series coupe is available at £33,415, and although this is more expensive than rivals such as the VW Scirocco Coupe and the Audi TT Coupe, the 3 series is an awful lot more practical. The insurance costs of the car can be quite significant, but this is certainly offset by the excellent fuel performance that is offered by this model, delivering an average 60.1mpg.

The low fuel emissions also mean that the tax liabilities of the car are significantly reduced, making it an even more attractive option for those who are looking for a practical car for business use that also offers sporty performance and handling.