BMW 3 Series 320d SE Auto 4dr Car Review - May 2013

One of the greatest achievements of the automatic gearbox of this version of the 3-Series is to actually improve on the manual gearbox, delivering better performance and efficiency than the manual version of the vehicle. The 2.0 litre diesel engine can propel the car from 0-62mph in a superb 7.2 seconds, and with a top speed of 143mph, it is obvious why the 3-Series is one of the most popular cars for those business people who have to cover high mileages. The one weakness in the package of the car is in the refinement, which is not quite as good as in some of its rivals, with wind noise becoming audible at speed.

The car is comfortably appointed, and enjoys a very good level of equipment including plenty of adjustment in the driving seat, allowing even the tallest of drivers to get comfortable. The steering wheel is also fully adjustable. The car handles very well and responds swiftly when turning into the corners, but it can be a little unsettled at lower speeds, particularly on some of the uneven British roads.

The front end of the 3-Series has become a little more aggressive over recent years, with the headlights and grille being narrowed to give a sleeker and more aerodynamic shape to the car. As with all of BMW's cars, the lines are highly tailored with lots of flaring and a bulge in the bonnet that hints at the powerful engine underneath. The car is supplied with a set of seventeen inch alloys which look very good, despite being the basic set of wheels on offer with the 3-Series.

Even though the SE level of trim is one step up from the basic level available with the 3-Series, it still comes with plenty of luxuries to make it feel like a premium car, including rain sensing wipers and a rear parking sensor to help avoid those little prangs while parking. Cruise control is another feature that is welcome on a car aimed at business drivers, making it a little more pleasant on long motorway journeys. One area that BMW does try to tempt buyers is with the extensive optional extra list, that can easily bump up the price.

The spacious interior of the cabin offers comfortable surroundings that can easily accommodate four adults, with even those in the rear enjoying plenty of headroom and legroom. The boot is a reasonable size, although it seems a little stingy not to include the split folding seats as standard.

As you would expect with a premium saloon, the 3 -Series achieved the five star award in the Euro NCAP safety tests, with a Dynamic Stability System that helps to keep the car stable and under control and a wide range of airbags to protect you if the worst should happen.

With a list price of £29,935, this version of the 3-Series is quite competitively priced compared with other executive saloons, and offers a lot of car for the money. The diesel engine is a good performer both in terms of moving the saloon from point A to point B, but is also remarkably efficient, with the automatic option actually increasing the efficiency of the car up to an average 62.8mpg, which falls short of the Efficient Dynamics engines in the 3-Series range but is still quite good.

One of the attractive features of the 320d is that has historically held its value quite well when compared with other executive cars, and this should cushion the blow of the relatively high insurance costs. The car is supplied with a three year unlimited mileage warranty, and also has a good three year roadside breakdown assistance policy.