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Details of the sixth generation BMW 3-Series saloon have been announced ahead of it hitting showrooms in February 2012.

As well as being 93mm longer, the new car is more spacious than the car it replaces, lighter and quicker.

BMW says it will remain the ultimate driver's car in its class, but also the most appealing to business customers, thanks to fuel-saving and emission-reducing technology.

There will be a four-wheel drive and hybrid version - both firsts for the 3-Series in the UK. The ActiveHybrid 3 will pair the 335i petrol engine with a 40kW electric motor, giving high performance with low running costs.

The popular 320d will cost from £28,080 and have 184bhp as well as 280lb/ft of pulling power, getting it to 62mph in 7.5 seconds. It will emit 120g/km of CO2 (118g/km with an automatic gearbox) and average 62.8mpg.

A 320d EfficientDynamics model will also be available, fitted with fuel-saving technology to get it to 68.9mpg and 109g/km of CO2.

Petrol engines detailed so far include the £29,060 328i and £35,525 335i with 245 and 306bhp respectively. They'll get to 62mph from rest in 5.9 and 5.5 seconds. The 328i features a new 2-litre, four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged petrol, replacing the six-cylinder engine found in the current 3-Series. The 335i retains a 3-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged motor.

The petrol engines will return 44.1 and 35.8mpg average fuel economy, and emit 149 and 186g/km of CO2 emissions. These figures actually improve slightly if the optional eight-speed automatic gearbox is fitted, thanks to its increased efficiency. Auto stop and start is fitted to every new 3-Series, as is Brake Energy Regeneration.

All versions of the 3-Series will feature Drive Performance Control, allowing drivers to switch between ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport and Sport + settings, adjusting the sensitivity of the throttle and steering.

Trim levels will include the already familiar ES, SE and M Sport, but will also include Sport, Modern and Luxury. ES (available only with the 316d) will get 17-inch alloy wheels, air-con, Bluetooth, 6.5-inch colour screen with iDrive, keyless starting, USB, multi-function leather steering wheel, cruise control and automatic boot opening.

SE will enhance the wheels and add parking sensors and dual-zone air-con, while automatic wipers and lights will be an optional extra.

The Sport model gets lightweight wheels, sports body kit, black exterior trim, black gloss interior trim and red upholstery stitching.

Modern has a refined and elegant character according to BMW, with matt chrome interior trim, ambient lighting in different colours, part leather seats and a two-tone Oyster dash and instrument finish.

The Luxury model get more equipment and enhanced materials, with bright chrome, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather interior and wooden trim.

M Sport gets lower and stiffer suspension, aerodynamic body styling, aluminium interior trim, sports leather seats and a shortened gear lever.

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