Offering more practicality, better fuel economy, lower emissions and a little more space - the 3 Series Touring should have a model that suits all your needs. Did we mention, it’s still first class to drive? 

Performance

Three engines are available, including one petrol unit available on the 328i and two diesel engines, the 320d and the 330d. The 245bhp 328i 2.0-litre petrol engine will enable the 3 Series Touring to sprint from Zero to 62mph sprint in six seconds and it has an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. 

A six speed manual gearbox comes as standard on the 328i and 320d models. The 320d is our favourite engine, it produces 184bhp from its 2.0-litre TwinPower turbo diesel. Not only is it a favourite for us but it’s also one of the must have cars for a company car driver.  

The flagship diesel engine is the 330d model producing 285bhp from the 3.0-litre diesel engine. Thanks to that whopping amount of power, the 330d can reach 62mph from a standing start in 5.6 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. 

Ride and Handling

The car feels great while the steering is almost perfect.

This is one of the best cars in the sector. It’s agile, relatively nippy while the chassis is brilliantly set-up. This has all been helped by the wider track (37mm) and the longer wheelbase (50mm). The car feels great while the steering is almost perfect. You feel at one when driving this ‘Beemer’ and it leaves you with a smile on your face. There’s also the Drive Performance Control allowing you to swap between driving modes at the flick of a switch. These include ECO PRO, Comfort and Sport. While Sport+ is available on Sport models or can be ticked as part of optional kit.

Interior and Equipment

One of the best cars that you can get for the money, top of the class as an all-round package.

One of the most popular trims is SE and this adds innovative features including the Driver Performance Control, an automatic dimming mirror, two-zone aircon and automatic lights and wipers. Move up to Sport, and you will add black kidney grille slats in a chrome-coloured surround and a choice of 17- or 18-inch alloys.  Top of the range M Sport trim adds a new aerodynamic package. There is a choice of 18-inch or 19-inch alloys there are plenty of M badges both on the exterior and interior just to remind you the trim you’re in.  This new model receives more space for loading and unloading items, this generation adds 35 litres taking it up to 495 litres with the rear bench in place while  Fold them flat and the boot space expands to 1,500 litres. This puts the 3 Series right in the middle of the class when it comes to load space.

Cost

Our choice is the 320d model – this engine is superb and it is all you’ll ever need.

Our choice is the 320d model – this engine is superb and it is all you’ll ever need. It mixes good fuel economy with a decent turn of pace. You can buy a Touring model from around £30,000. Average fuel economy comes in at 68mpg with emissions coming out at 109g/km of CO2.

Our Verdict

A superb car, the 3 Series is every bit the king of this particular sector. With lots of space, it has great figures too, especially when talking about economy and emissions. It’s priced competitively and of course you have those driving dynamics. Estate cars don’t get much better than this, unless you upgrade to a BMW 5 Series