Model tested: BMW 316d ES
Price: £23,745
Date tested: December 2009
Road tester: Adrian Hearn

The new BMW 316d ES is the greenest ever 3-Series; it's also one of the most confusingly named, with BMW fitting a 2-litre diesel and not, as you might expect, a 1.6.

BMW claims the four-cylinder diesel averages 62.8mpg. With the trip reset, we set out on a 320-mile round-trip to see if this was achievable.

For the first 50 miles, the gauge read 62.5mpg, after a variety of town and 50mph motorway driving. Eventually the M3 opened out into a 70mph zone and the trip dropped to 57.7mpg - an impressive result.

The 316d ES emits just 118g/km of CO2, so it costs £35 a year to tax; company car drivers in the 20 per cent tax bracket will pay just £51 a month in tax.

So in the running costs department, the 316d ES is brilliant, but it's not the finest point - this goes to the car's ride. The 3-Series normally has a firm ride thanks to big wheels and low profile tyres but the 316d runs on a set of 16-inch alloys.

It's such a comfortable car to drive and perfect for motorway and A-road cruising, but also fairly adept through the corners. The steering is well balanced and the six-speed manual gearbox is slick.

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But it’s not what you might call sporty. The four-cylinder diesel engine develops a meagre 116bhp but healthy 192lb/ft of pulling power. This accelerates the 316d from 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 125mph.

Unfortunately, it’s the price of the 316d ES which lets it down, as £23,745 is a high starting figure. Standard features include air-conditioning, multi-function leather steering wheel and front fog lights. The price can easily creep up with a quick scroll down BMW’s options list.

If you’re looking for a classy car with exceptional running costs, the VW Golf Bluemotion has similar performance figures, drives well and averages 74.3mpg. At £17,645 it represents better value too.

The BMW 316d ES is a remarkably refined, low running cost-focused family saloon which drives very well, but its high price will put it out of reach of some customers.