Alarm and immobiliser are standard, as is remote central locking; satellite tracking is an option. All models have six airbags, including side airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and ABS. Safety is assured with a four star Euro-NCAP rating – excellent for its age, but beginning to be left behind by the latest models.

The saloon is perfectly suited to cruising on A-roads, comfortably covering hundreds of motorway miles at a time. It’s not quite as nimble around town but it carries the weekly shopping with ease. 3-Series is roomier than the previous generation model, but the rear drive does compromise boot capacity a little. Although it’s a good effort overall, with very useable space, there are bigger-bottomed and more accommodating rivals available.