Gets similar engines to the rest of the range, with the major exception of the fire-breathing M3. Range kicks off with the 316ti (1.8). Flexible and powerful new engines are the most sought after – especially the responsive, refined 330d diesel, which is a cut above other oil-burning executive models. The pick of the older engines are the four cylinder 318i – which is a good all-rounder and the incredibly quick and luxuriously smooth 328i/330i six cylinder cars.

Rear-wheel-drive is now a BMW tradition, and the Touring is no exception. But it’s more refined than older cars and far less tail-happy than before. You’d be hard pushed to tell which end was driven, but it’s safe and well-balanced yet still sporting, particularly the more potent or Sport models.