Price £26,000-30,000

For careful motorway drivers - and A-road lopers - the combination of real-world performance or potential fuel economy is highly attractive.

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From a fleet buyers perspective, this new 320d will have a benefit-in-kind rating of just 13 per cent and road tax of just £35 per year. Unsurprisingly, BMW expects 60 per cent of all 320d ED production to come to the UK.

The typically excellent 3-series handling balance is also a plus, as is the build quality and the fact the engine has cleanest EU5 emissions rating.

However, the 3-series is now showing its age a little in the rather cramped cockpit and limited boot space.

However, the car’s combination of first-class handling, premium finish and potential economy is probably unique in this class.

Fuel economy

The fuel economy and emission management also featured in the other models in the BMW 3 Series are combined in the BMW 320d ­EfficientDynamics Edition with additional innovations, which, together with the decrease in engine power on the BMW 320d by 10 kW or 14 hp, serve to reduce fuel consumption and emissions to an even lower level, below the CO2 standard of 110 grams per kilometre relevant to taxation in many countries.

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These additional features include a longer final drive ratio and the lower chassis and suspension of the car.

2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine of this high-tech model boasts an all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharging with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection complete with piezo-injectors.

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With the engine and the entire car modified once again for an even higher standard of efficiency, this unique saloon targeted above all at the German, Italian, French and Spanish markets comes with optimised aerodynamics, an extra-long final drive ratio, and an innovative two-mass flywheel incorporating a centrifugal-force pendulum.