Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 3-Series

It has always been a hit with fleet buyers, and now the BMW 3-Series is set to become even more of a star in the company car park.

The 318d is a clever addition, and will keep 3-Series sales ticking over until the all-new model appears late next year. However, the SE variant is overpriced - the £19,995 ES is much better value.

It has always been a hit with fleet buyers, and now the BMW 3-Series is set to become even more of a star in the company car park.

This is the new 318d, and it strengthens BMW's fight further against more mainstream rivals, such as the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra. Powered by a detuned version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine fitted to the impressive 320d, the newcomer scores well in terms of running costs.

It complies with Euro IV emissions regulations, which means the car falls into the lower 16 per cent company tax band, while a combined fuel economy figure of 50.4mpg will keep fleet managers and private buyers happy. In true BMW tradition, the 318d is satisfying to drive. It's not especially quick, with only 115bhp, but the handling is as fluent as we've come to expect from the 3-Series range over the years, while the five-speed gearbox is a pleasure to use.

Inside, the cramped cabin is beginning to show its age, while even in range-topping SE trim you have to dig deep into your pockets to build up the specification - our car had plain cloth seats and a very basic stereo, yet costs nearly £1,000 more than the well equipped Ford Mondeo TDCi Ghia X.

However, in this market, badge image is far more important, and the 318d is a useful addition to the line-up which is bound to have a huge impact on fleet sales. As a private buy, it also makes a lot of sense, with some of the strongest predicted resale values in its class.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £33,315Avg. savings £5,448 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Mercedes C Class
Audi A4

Audi A4

RRP £32,725Avg. savings £2,195 off RRP*Used from £11,495
BMW 4 Series

BMW 4 Series

RRP £45,285Avg. savings £4,830 off RRP*Used from £16,495
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025