3D experience

IT has the same 2.0-litre turbodiesel as the BMW 520d but the 320d feels like a completely different car. And little wonder. At 1,505 kg, the diesel-engined 3 Series is smaller and 200 kg lighter than the 5 Series version, thus making it a lot more fun to drive. The 320d has excellent low-end torque. Floor the throttle and it pulls away, thanks to the rapid delivery of 380 Newton-metres of torque.

To get an idea of how responsive it is, compare its performance figures to the 3 Series with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine - the 320d has the same power as the 320i but more torque than the…