Spied during development...
Spied during development testing, the new luxury car will have an advantage over rivals thanks to hybrid power and an innovative collision avoidance system.
And as it"s never one...
And as it"s never one to miss a trick, BMW has responded to this by launching an even more affordable diesel, which will hit showrooms in the UK in April. Offering 115bhp and 280Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, the new 318d is aimed at high-mileage drivers who put fuel economy and low emissions at the top of their wish lists.
The model returns an average of 50.4mpg, and its CO2 rating is only 151g/km - that translates into a tax rating of 16 per cent, which is one of the lowest in the class. The engine also complies with Euro IV emissions rules. BMW claims the newcomer will cover 0-60mph in 10.6 seconds and go on to a 127mph top speed.
Rivalling the two-wheel-drive Jaguar X-Type and the diesel-powered Audi A4, the car will come in both saloon and estate guise. The four-door 318d is available in ES, SE and Sport trim, while the Touring wears SE and Sport badges. Prices start at í‚á£19,995 for the entry-level ES, and rise to í‚á£24,850 for the top-of-the-range Touring Sport model.