The new BMW 3 Series will be available in the UK in four versions, starting from £28,080.

For that price you can get the BMW 320d Saloon or the same car with EfficientDynamics system. They are both the same, but the EfficientDynamics model makes about 20 less horsepower. On the upside it does very nearly 70mpg.

The new 3er is lighter, quicker, more spacious, and more interesting to look at than the old model. We can’t say it’s very pretty, but it’s really not bad either. The 3 series have always been the benchmark in handling and driving fun, and it still holds the torch.

Pricing and tech specs:

*Electronically limited.

All versions of the new 3 Series Saloon feature Drive Performance Control as standard – a switch which allows the driver to swap between up to four driving modes, varying from sporty to extremely economical. The four modes are ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport, and Sport + (Sport + is included only on Sport models or with selected optional equipment). In ECO PRO, the throttle mapping changes so that a firmer push of the accelerator pedal is needed to extract the power that is delivered with a lighter touch in the other three modes, thus encouraging a more economical driving style. ECO PRO also alters the manual gearshift points advised by the Optimum Shift Indicator, modifies the gearshift strategy on models with automatic transmission and even adjusts the power consumption of features such as the climate control and heated mirrors and seats.

Features and equipments: (In UK the new 3 series is available in ES, SE and, later in 2012, M Sport versions)

Standard equipment include 17-inch light alloy wheels, automatic air-conditioning, Bluetooth, BMW Professional radio with 6.5-inch colour screen and iDrive, keyless starting, USB, a multi-function leather steering wheel, cruise control and automatic boot opening.

SE is available with all engines except the 335i, and adds, among other things, different alloy wheels, rear Park Distance Control, two-zone air conditioning and a rain sensor with automatic light activation, for a premium of £850. Sport and Modern versions are priced £1,000 above the equivalent SE, while the difference between SE and Luxury is £2,500.

M Sport will have lowered and stiffened sports suspension, unique aerodynamic body styling and ride on 18-inch M light alloy wheels. The interior will be trimmed in Aluminium Hexagon with a Blue finisher. The sport seats will be covered with Dakota leather, and the door finishers, steering wheel and shortened gearshift will reflect the car’s position as the sportiest 3 Series Saloon model. Prices will be announced nearer the 2012 on-sale date.

Options:

Many of the items on offer are new to the vehicle and include Park Assist, which allows the car to parallel park itself, with the driver controlling the accelerator and brake. A Reversing Assist camera and Surround-view cameras, which even let the driver see the car from above and the sides can also be chosen. Practicality can also be increased with a new 40:20:40 split-folding rear-seat option.

New safety options include a full-colour Head-up Display which shows current speed limits, the car’s current speed and turn-by-turn instructions when a BMW navigation system is fitted. Dynamic Safety is another feature offered which tensions the seat belts and closes any open windows or the sunroof (if fitted and open) if an accident seems imminent.

Internet access to certain services via the owner’s mobile telephone and BMW’s new Real Time Traffic Information service, which delivers faster, more accurate warnings of traffic hold-ups and even offers suggestions on how to avoid them, are among the media services available as part of BMW ConnectedDrive. Many of these features will be packaged to offer new 3 Series Saloon buyers related and desirable options at value prices.