29/05/08

• Price21,035-£37,530
• We like...classy, good to drive, frugal engines
• We don't...iDrive control is tricky to master

Classy, stylish, sensible and good to drive. It's no wonder that we buy so manyThe 3 is among Britain’s favourite cars. Although you see ‘em everywhere, they somehow work the trick of being just that little bit special. You feel that whenever you drive one. From the cheapest to the dearest, they stop and go with a heft and precision you'll seldom find elsewhere.

But while the 3-series has long been a winner to drive, it now matches the best in other key areas, too. Notably, its engines rate among the cleanest emissions-wise: the 318D rates at just 122g/km of CO2, a figure that beats rivals and matches many smaller, less powerful cars. And, as you’d expect, it is also exceptionally economical, managing up to 60mpg.

The sharp-edged styling isn’t to everyone’s taste, while the interior shares much with the 5- and 7 series, featuring high-quality materials and clean, modern design. Range-topping versions come with BMWs i-Drive controller for stereo, heating and sat-nav, but cheaper versions make do with (easier to understand) buttons. Plenty of adjustment makes for a very comfortable driving position, while the back offers far more space than the cramped previous generation model - and both saloon and "Touring" estate have more passenger and luggage space.

Meanwhile, BMWs trademark 50:50 weight distribution front-to-back and rear-wheel drive ensure than even the most basic versions corner and steer with a precision that rivals can’t match. A well-damped, compliant ride and excellent noise insulation mean that high-speed motorway cruising is accomplished just as easily. Even with the optional run-flat tyres, refinement levels are high. Pick between four and six-cylinder petrol or diesel engines. Each is economical but we’d go for the smaller ones because they suit the car best. Of all, the 320 diesel is quick and gives little to the 318d in emissions or miles-per-gallon in return for a useful extra slug of power.

• Engines2.0-3.0, diesel and petrol
• Power
• 0-60 mph9.3-5.6sec
• Economy60.1-31.0m
• CO2g/km123-218
• Insurance groupsgroup 12-19
• EuroNCAP
• Airbags6
• Seats5

Motors.co.uk value verdict: