BMW updates 3 Series Touring

What is it?

Essentially, it's the same 3 Series Touring estate as before but now featuring the same minor upgrades as the saloon model recently received. The most obvious exterior changes are to the twin bulges on the bonnet, more distinctive headlights and front spoiler, and the rear lights that now have a slight kink in their upper line. Perhaps the clearest identifier is the reshaped 'kidney' grille that gives more of a traditional BMW appearance to the front end. It's all very modest stuff and the theme is continued inside where the electric window controls have been moved ever so slightly backwards on the door panel to make them easier to use. BMW's iDrive is also vastly improved with shortcut buttons and a new menu system, which is a step towards Audi's MMI-style control. Otherwise, the Touring estate remains a more practical option than the saloon thanks to its better boot space, though this is unchanged from the earlier model's.

Is it any good?

The pre-facelift BMW 3 Series was the standard bearer for driving pleasure in the premium small estate sector and the updated car does nothing to shake those foundations. At the top end of the scale, the 330d has 14bhp to now produce 245bhp for 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds (0.1 seconds quicker than its predecessor), while carbon dioxide emissions drop to 152g/km and economy rises to 49.6mpg combined. The 325d and 335d also benefit from economy and emissions improvements. Looking at the other end of the scale, the 318d is now available with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while the big-selling 320d now turns in 57.6mpg and produces just 130g/km of CO₂, which is very good for the compact executive sector. On the road, the 3 Series Touring feels every bit as agile and wieldy as its predecessor did. The ride is supple, marvellously well controlled and it shows its rivals how things should be done. This is helped by the rear wheels being set 24mm further apart than before. Bumps and dips are dismissed with consummate ease, while corners are taken with measured assurance thanks to masses of grip and steering that supplies the driver with all the right info. Far from being solely of sporting benefit, this control makes the BMW 3 Series Touring a more able, safer car on any type of road, and there's also standard ESP and six airbags should the worst happen. Refinement is spot on and the engines are all hushed. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel is the big seller in the range and pulls strongly and cleanly from low speeds, yet it will rev willingly when the driver is in the mood. The large capacity petrol and diesel engines in the 330 and 335 models are pleasingly muscular and encourage the driver to make the most of the 3 Series' superb handling. As for the Touring's boot space and practicality, this is unchanged from the earlier model. There's decent luggage room, though the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class Estate both provide greater capacity and boots with less intrusion from the wheelarches. The BMW counters this to some extent with hidden storage under the boot floor, and the 60-40 split rear seats fold flat to create a decent bay for trips to the DIY store.

Should I call the bank manager?

BMW has not lowered the prices of its facelifted 3 Series Touring range, but they do now make an even more convincing financial case for those seeking a premium-badged small estate. Improved economy and lower carbon dioxide emissions, which mean less road tax for all and lower company tax for business drivers, make the BMW Tourings very attractive. BMW has also upgraded the standard equipment list for most models, so the SE gains new 17-inch alloy wheels, while the M Sport models have a more distinctive body kit. If you were thinking about calling the bank manager before this facelifted Touring arrived, now's the time to make that call.

Summary

This round of revisions to the 3 Series Touring is typically restrained of BMW. It was fortunate enough to be working from a base where the car was already the benchmark for driving involvement. Now, it's an even more compelling car for those looking for the best financial deal thanks to improved economy, emissions and slightly better trim specifications in some models. It's still not the best in its exclusive class for boot space or practicality, but this is of limited concern in the small executive estate class where style and driving manners count for more. The best just got better.

Alisdair Suttie