BMW 320d Highline

The engine remains unchanged, but with 177bhp and a 8.7 second 0-100kph sprint, one can't complain. The BMW’s 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder motor has been tweaked to make 177bhp at 4000rpm and 35kgm of torque at 1750-2000rpm. Power delivery is very linear and it builds up speeds quickly but subtly.

In traffic, the BMW’s gearbox is responsive, with almost instant kickdowns; in fact, thanks to its strong midrange, it is even more usable than the considerably more powerful petrol 325i. It revs smoothly, but the six-speed automatic transmission, which also has a manual override, sometimes shifts down in a lazy manner.

This is a diesel that doesn’t mind being revved, the engine pulling strongly even in the top end of its rev range. Triple-digit cruising speeds are very easy to maintain and overtaking is not a problem on the highway. Refinement? The BMW’s updated engine is also easy on the ear and remarkably refined; it’s only the suspension noise on rough surfaces that spoils the tranquility.

The new 3-series also uses BMW's Efficient Dynamics technology, which is basically a set of revisions that are set to improve fuel economy. The BMW 320d returned 10.6 in the city and 14.4 on the highway.