Belt about in a big petrol unit and you’ll guzzle juice and scoff tyres, but specify a small engine or a diesel, drive carefully and you’ll get plenty of mpg – manual diesel models return close to 50mpg on the combined cycle. Insurance isn’t cheap, though residuals are good and servicing is variable with use.

3-Series scores reasonably on the eco front. With an average of 192 g/km CO2 across the model line-up, its emissions are fairly standard for a medium-sized saloon. 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 37 mpg.

Overall, 3-Series is well built, dependable and has excellent reliability – continuing the notion of great German build-quality. Serious problems are rare and although we have heard reports of the occasional niggle, these are unlikely to be anything that won’t be quickly sorted by the dealer. As ever, regular self maintenance and keeping to the service intervals will be of long-term benefit.