The subtly softer chassis is more comfortable and this 3-series has the best ride of any generation of BMW’s best-seller ... between the way the saloon and Touring models drive.

Either offers up monster acceleration at any revs, with the petrol eclipsing the diesel as the more powerful unit but the diesel fighting back with ... and helps the saloon version hit 62mph ...

Not the roomiest estate in the world, but if you just need a bit more practicality than the saloon offers ... petrol is the fastest standard 3 Series Touring until the M3 Touring arrives.