1. Five of our Favourite Diesel Saloons
2. BMW 320d
3. Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 JTDM
4. Honda Accord 2.2 i-CDTi
5. Audi A4 TDI
6. Volvo S60 D5

BMW invented the compact executive saloon class many years ago and with each new generation of the 3-series manages to move the game on that little bit more. The cheapest diesel 3-series is the 318d and the most exciting is the 330d, but slap bang in the middle is the 320d, one of the best all-rounders available.

Compare the specification sheets for the cars featured here and you'll notice that the 3-series pretty much tops all the others. Sure, the Volvo has more power, but its owners pay for this with worse fuel consumption and higher CO₂ emissions, which means higher company car tax for some drivers.

To be fair, most of the 320d's direct rivals do a good job of combining fuel economy and performance, but where the 3-series scores highest (and no manufacturer data can tell you this) is in the way it drives. Whether you are cruising down a motorway or attacking your favourite B-road, the 320d is your willing and very able companion. It's the car we'd buy.

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