Insurance Group: 29
MPG: 53.3
CO2: 140
0-62 Mph: 7.6 secs
BHP: 184 BHP
Range: 715 miles
PROS: The 320d is a fantastic all-rounder. It offers good performance, impressive fuel economy, a high quality interior, excellent safety levels and good looks.
CONS: It's a little expensive and there could be more room for rear seat passengers.
The 320d's 2.0-litre diesel engine develops 184bhp and 280lb-ft of torque, meaning a 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 143mph. It's a good engine and, although there are more exciting engines in the 3-Series range, the 320d is probably the best all-rounder.
It devours motorway miles in almost eerie silence -- there is very little noise from the road, wind or engine -- however, the ride is a little firm at lower speeds. This is a small criticism considering that many buyers will find that the firm suspension adds to the 'sporty' driving experience that the 320d offers.
BMW has been criticised for its styling in recent years, and there are those who will claim that Chris Bangle ruined the marque's reputation for discreet luxury with the 7-Series and the 5-Series in the early 2000s. However, the 3-Series has always been the most conservative car in the BMW range, and you'd have to agree that the new car is a handsome thing.
Gone too are the days when BMW would charge you extra for wheels and a fanbelt, and in SE spec, the 320d comes with a decent smattering of standard kit. Alloys, electric windows, climate control, cruise control, CD player, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity all come as standard. Sat-nav can be added for a further £1550 and leather seats will set you back £1265.
The 320d is a relatively practical proposition with a decent-sized boot offering 480-litres of storage space. However, it is let down in the practicality stakes by the slightly cramped rear quarters and the lack of a standard split-fold rear seat -- BMW will charge you £390 to fold the seats flat.
The 3-Series is a very safe car and achieved the full five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests. It was praised for its structural rigidity and the protection which it offered its occupants.
Reliability should not be an issue -- BMW screws its cars together very well indeed -- and a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty is included as standard.
At £29,605, the 320d SE Auto is certainly not cheap; however, it cost roughly the same as the equivalent Audi A4 and is arguably a better car. The Audi does, however, come with more standard kit.
The 320d's fuel economy is very impressive and you should manage 62mpg on the combined cycle. Low CO2 emissions of 118g/km also mean low tax under VED band C and low BIK tax for company car drivers.
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