Specify a small engine or a diesel and drive carefully and you’ll get plenty of MPG. Residuals are good and servicing is variable with use. Belt about in a big petrol unit and you’ll guzzle juice and scoff tyres.

3-Series is quite a polluting model. With an average of 202 g/km CO2 across the model line-up, its emissions are a touch high for a medium-sized estate. However, it’s worth noting that the line up has a high number of diesel models, bringing the average down and giving buyers more choices of low-emission versions. Diesels typically produce less CO2 than petrol engines with similar power outputs.

The range is not particularly economical, averaging 35 mpg.

Excellent reliability in the main – occasional niggles but unlikely to be anything that won’t be quickly sorted by the dealer.