Make 1-Series a little bigger and add a boot and suddenly you have a benchmark for all small compact family saloons. Call it the 3-Series (wonder where 2 went) and you have a winner. Powered by BMW's usual range of engines: 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0ltr petrol engines and 2.0 and 3.0ltr diesels, the 3-series is a leader in drivability, performance and economy. The 2.0ltr diesel returns 50mpg and still has plenty of pulling power. A full range of electronic driving aids - Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Corner Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control etc - is included on all variants to help the driver keep the thing on the road and it is only blatant misuse can get the rear to step out of line, unless you want it to of course!
As with all models, the driver is catered for with alacrity, allowing almost any shape of human being to be accommodated comfortably and safely. Passengers are also well catered for, although lanky rear passengers will find their heads squashed into the roof lining.
Equipment is good, but BMW charge for many of the extras and they are not cheap (sat-nav etc).
Running costs are the lowest for this sector. Economy has been mentioned, insurance is low (14 to 18). BMW also offer fixed price servicing and maintenance so that you know how much it is going to cost to keep the thing on the road.
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BMW 3 SERIES.