BMW 3 Series Coupe 2006 - Present

The 3-Series sets the standard for Small Executive Coupes and the newest 3-Series Coupe exemplifies that reputation more than ever. Bigger than the previous model yet still managing to weigh less the 2006 3-Series Coupe comes with a raft of great features and incredible engines. The 3.0L twin turbo, petrol unit available in the 335 model has back to back International Engine of the Year awards to it's credit. The same diesel option is almost as impressive coming second in the 2.5 - 3.0 litre category. The ride and handling are trademark 3 - Series, with a sensational driving experience delivered as standard.

The Coupe is arguably the best looking of the 3-Series range. It's got a shape that cuts through the air with so little fuss that you could speed past an old dandelion without shaking any of it's beard off. The steering offers a feel so keen that you can almost feel the shape of the road, and while this may not sound too appealing you become so integrated into the car while driving that you don't want to miss anything. In addition to the great feel the steering is entirely natural and directs the car with the precision of a surgeon with a scalpel, trimming off any excess with ease. The balance of the car is near perfect so cornering feels entirely natural. The Coupe holds it's line perfectly and sets itself up for the straights in a manners that feels almost psychic. In the event that you do get too carried away and really overcook it there is a full complement of safety systems including stability control that will bail you out. You should have a lot of fun feeling out those limits though.

While the balance and handling are sensational it's what's under the bonnet that is most impressive on the 3-Series Coupe. The range of engines range between superb and unbelievable. You can rest assured that if you're looking at a 3-series Coupe at the lights then the driver has got some serious performance at his disposal. The entry level 320i has vital stats of 7.8 seconds and 143 mph and still returns 44 mpg, the sort of figure that you'd expect from an oil burner. The three litre 335i offers BMW's gold standard 100 bhp per litre (301 bhp) albeit at 31 mpg and the 335d produces a very workable 286 bhp while returning 42 mpg. The two twin turbo engines offer superb performance, both restricted to 155 mph and with 0 - 60 times of 5.3 for the petrol and 5.9 for the oil burner they offer sensational performance. Both engines pull like an ox from low revs and have maximum torque so early that they effectively eliminate ‘turbo-lag', making them feel like a normally aspirated engine, a much bigger engine. They offer workman like power and adaptability with celebrity performance, they do the business but don't like to shout about it.

The inside of the Coupe has come under the same scrutiny that the engine and ride have been subjected to and the result is a well proportioned cabin with decent seating for four adults and good levels of leg room all round. Climate control comes as standard and the new model sees the introduction of an 'automatic 'seatbelt handover' system, similar to the one found in Mercedes. Cruise control is also listed as standard, with high beam assistant offered too. This will automatically dip your beam when it detects a car coming towards you at night, a nice touch. Boot space is good, among the best in it's class and although the rear seats don't offer any central seating or storage they split and fold down to increase the load space nicely.

If you're looking for a four seater sports coupe there is virtually no chance that you won't be looking at the 3-Series and if you're driven one of these the rest will have a lot to do to win you over. It's set the bar for years and the 3-Series is still the car that the rest needs to catch up with, it's going to take a remarkable car to dethrone it. The 3 - Series Coupe costs between about 25k - 40k and for that money you're getting a hell of a lot of car. The depreciation figures are pretty low and there is a very good reason for that, it's a truly great car.

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