Insurance Group: 30
MPG: 49.6
CO2: 151
0-62 Mph: 7.0 secs
BHP: 204 BHP
Range: 666 miles
The 3 Series saloon is spacious and economical, making it an excellent choice as a family car or a company car.
PROS: The 325d SE offers a great driving experience coupled with low running costs.
CONS: Expensive. Firm ride.
Despite improvements to the suspension on previous models, the 3 Series still suffers from overly firm suspension.
The handling in the 3 Series saloon is fantastic, offering controlled and stable driveability thanks to the balanced rear wheel driven chassis. This combines with smooth handling to make the car easy to drive. Indeed, the 3 Series is the best handling car in its class.
The 325d engine is powerful, smooth and quiet, with the cabin insulated from outside sounds, although there is a little wind noise at high speeds. In terms of performance, the 204 bhp engine delivers 317 lb-ft of torque at 1750-3750rpm and reaches 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds. This is in addition to an impressive top speed of 150 mph which makes the car a strong contender.
The SE saloon comes with power steering, stability control, cruise control, climate control, rear parking sensors, alloy wheels, MP3 connectivity and stereo as standard, with optional extras including leather seats for £1,265, Bluetooth for £250 and satellite navigation for £1,550.
The ‘Efficient Dynamics’ technology that keeps the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions low includes an automatic stop-start system, brake energy regeneration, on-demand control of engine ancillary components and tyres with less rolling resistance along with improved aerodynamics. This gives the car a good level of standard equipment and plenty of attractive features.
The 3 Series has always been a very good looking car and this model is no exception.
Although slightly inflexible for a family car in terms of versatility, the saloon has loads of room in the front and back with plenty of leg room for all of the car's occupants. The driving position is also comfortable with the car offering plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel and seat, allowing drivers to find the optimum position. The boot is also well-sized with 460 litres of capacity on offer even when all the seats are upright. The rear of the car is characterised by split-folding rear seats which allow owners to expand the space on offer.
Safety is top rate, too with standard equipment including six airbags, dynamic stability control, ABS and traction control on top of other great features. An alarm is also fitted to protect the car from theft whilst an Active Security Package (with lane change and lane departure-warning systems) can be added as an additional option.
The 3 Series benefits from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technology, which gives the engines excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions, also making it an attractive business car option. The 325d SE model costs £29,840 and has a combined economy of 49.6 mpg and CO2 emission rate of 151g/km. This makes it relatively affordable to keep on the road.
The 325d SE is a spacious saloon with a pretty powerful engine and the SE trim is a mid-way point between the basic ES and the more lavish Sport, making it probably the best value for money. Resale values should be strong.
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