Insurance Group: 33
MPG: 49.6
CO2: 151
0-62 Mph: 6.9 secs
BHP: 204 BHP
Range: 666 miles
The SE trim is a good value for money option, as it offers loads of equipment and for a reasonable price, although it misses out on the sporty looks of the M Sport trim.
PROS: The 325d SE is a powerful car with great handling and the SE trim comes with a good range of basic equipment. The car is much quicker than the 320d and the engine is efficient so running costs are low.
CONS: The 325d is less efficient than the 320d and the M Sport trim offers a more striking exterior.
The 325d engine is quiet yet strong, delivering high levels of performance and refinement. The 325d SE has a 204 bhp engine deliver 317 lb-ft of torque at 1750-3750 rpm and reaches 0-62 mph in an impressive 6.9 seconds. This is in addition to a top speed of 152 mph which is impressive by any standards.
Handling is great in the car as well, with the car combining stability with control and power. This gives the car good grip and firm response with the only criticism being the suspension which is a little too firm. This was a complaint on previous models as well and although the drive is still a little rough the newer 3 Series models are more comfortable than their predecessors.
The SE coupe comes with leather seats, power steering, stability control, cruise control, climate control, alloy wheels, stereo, MP3 connectivity and rear parking sensors as standard, with optional extras including 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.
The 3 Series should be a very safe car with standard safety kit including six airbags, dynamic stability control, inclusive of ABS, and dynamic traction control. The Active Security Package (with lane change and lane departure-warning systems) can also be added to further increase security whilst an alarm comes as standard to protect the car against theft. All of these security features helped the car earn the top five star rating in the NCAP crash tests - making it a great option as a personal vehicle or a business car.
The coupe has loads of room in the front and back seats as well and this means passenger comfor should be as high as driver comfort. Legroom in particular is very good and this makes the car a great option.
The boot is of reasonable size too, if a bit awkwardly shaped. There is 440 litres of space on offer with all of the seats in position and the car comes with split-folding rear seats to allow this to be increased.
The 325d SE costs £32,910 and has a combined economy of 49.6 mpg and CO2 emissions of 151g/km.
The SE is good value for money as it comes with loads of kit and is less expensive than the M Sport version. The 325d engine is still efficient, but the smaller motors are better options for company cars or those who want low running costs.
All BMWs benefit from slow depreciation and the 325d should have very good residual values.
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