Insurance Group: 22
MPG: 44.8
CO2: 147
0-62 Mph: 9.5 secs
BHP: 143 BHP
Range: 621 miles
However, the diesel engine is vastly superior to the 318i petrol engine in both performance and economy. Although it is more expensive, the 318d will prove to a better long term investment due to the low running costs and the more satisfying drive it offers.
PROS: The 318i SE is great value for money as it comes with a reasonable price tag and drives excellently. The SE trim comes with loads of equipment and is a big improvement over the basic ES model.
CONS: The petrol engine cannot touch the diesel version for economy.
The handling in the 3 Series Touring is fantastic, offering controlled and stable driveability thanks to the balanced rear-wheel-drive chassis which makes easy work of winding B-roads. The 318i engine is not the most powerful, but it is smooth and quiet. Overall, the cabin is well insulated from outside sounds although there is a little wind noise infiltration at high speeds.
In terms of performance. the 143 bhp engine delivers 140 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm and reaches 0-62 mph in 9.5 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. These are adequate credentials for its class but those with a love of speed may be left disappointed.
The overall style of the range is good although it doesn't quite match its Audi rivals for class and sophistication.
The SE estate comes with power steering, climate control, rear parking sensors, stability control, alloy wheels, MP3 connectivity and stereo as standard, with optional extras such as leather seats for £1,265, cruise control for £195, Bluetooth for £250, satellite navigation for £1,550.
Practicality, safety and reliability levels are all high in this model with BMW known for their high quality vehicles.
Safety levels benefit from a range of standard equipment including six airbags, dynamic stability control, dynamic brake control and dynamic traction control. An alarm comes as standard as well and the car performed well in NCAP crash tests where it was awarded the top five star rating for safety.
Practical features of the car see this estate benefit from a spacious interior with plenty of room in the front and back and leg room particularly spacious. The boot is sizable too, if a bit awkwardly shaped, with 460 litres of room on offer. Folding down the split-folding rear seats will extend this space further.
The 3 Series benefits from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technology, which gives the engine excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. The 318i SE model costs £25,265 and has a combined economy of 44.8 mpg and CO2 emissions of 147g/km which make running costs average.
The SE trim is a great option for those looking for a good range of equipment and is well worth the extra cost from the ES model. However, the petrol engine still falls short in performance and in economy making the diesel engine a better option despite its higher cost.
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