The rear-wheel drive BMW 130i offers the lightest 3.0-litre engine in the compact class - just 161 kg. Its straight six cylinders boast 265 bhp and a maximum torque of 315 Nm from 2,500 to 4,000 rpm.

This translates into acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited) and fuel consumption of 9.2-litres/100 km.

This power, accessed through a six-speed manual gearbox, is coupled with upgrades to the chassis and suspension, and high levels of active safety through Dynamic Traction Control, Automatic Stability Control, ABS, Dynamic Brake Control, Cornering Brake Control, and Electronic Brake force Distribution resulting in the best deceleration and stopping power in the class.

Add all this to the five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test and loads of standard equipment: Start/Stop button; alarm; rain sensor; eight airbags; run flat tyres and much more. Prices start at Lm22,800.

BMW also introduced the 3 Series Touring, available with a choice of seven engines (including three diesels). "The BMW Touring attaches great significance to the car's loading area," the brochure says.

In fact, capacity has been increased to 460 litres, and once you fold down the 60:40 split rear seats to an almost flat floor you get 1,385 litres of loading space. This is also accessible by opening the rear window, at which point the luggage compartment cover slides up into a convenient loading position.

The petrol engines available are:

¤ the 318i (starting at Lm20,500), the 320i (Lm22,000) - offering 150 bhp at 6,200 rpm, torque of 200 Nm at 3,600 rpm, acceleration to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds and a top speed of 218 km/h. Fuel consumption is 7.6 litres/100 km;

¤ the 325i (Lm25,000) boasts 218 bhp at 6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 250 Nm between 2,750 and 4,250 rpm. This produces acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 243 km/h; and

¤ the 330i (Lm28,500) with a 258 bhp six-cylinder engine, producing 300 Nm between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm, acceleration to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is 8.9 litres/100 km.

The diesel engines are:

¤ the 318d (Lm22,800), a new entry-level diesel in the 3 Series range. Powered by a de-tuned version of the 1,995 cc engine from the 320d, it develops 122 hp at 4,000 rpm and 280 Nm of torque from just 1,750 rpm. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 10.6 seconds, top speed is 206 km/h and consumption is 5.6 l/100 km on the combined cycle;

¤ the 320d - 163 bhp, peak torque of 340 Nm between 2,000 and 2,750 rpm, accelerating to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 223 km/h. Consumption is 5.9 litres/100 km; and

¤ the six-cylinder 330d (Lm29,000) that generates 231 bhp and torque of 500 Nm between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. Acceleration to 100 km/h is in 6.8 seconds, top speed is 248 km/h and consumption, 6.7 litres/100 km.

Standard specifications include alarm, electric folding door mirrors, warning triangle and first aid, climate control air-conditioning, multi-function leather steering wheel, fog lights and alloy wheels.

For more information or test-drives contact local agents Muscats Motors Ltd on 2133-0041 or e-mail hcaruana@mml.mizzi.com.mt

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