THE new BMW 3 Series Touring now provides a stronger blend of thoughtful practicality and outstanding driving dynamics.

Larger, and more spacious inside than ever before, this truly versatile estate possesses a wide range of practical features in addition to the class-leading driving dynamics expected of any BMW.

A load capacity that is the largest in its class, complete with innovative storage solutions, is wrapped in a dynamically styled, strong but lightweight body that follows the same winning formula of previous BMW 3 Series Tourings over the years.

After all, it was BMW that invented the premium Touring segment back with the E30 3 Series and it has proved a winning formula ever since then with an average 8,500 new car buyers a year.

Three advanced, powerful, yet frugal engine choices are available at launch. For example, the new BMW 330d Touring produces 258hp and masses of torque, enough to reach 62mph from rest in just 5.6 seconds, yet still achieves 55.4mpg on the combined cycle with emissions of 135g/km.

Further engine variants will join the range in due course.

The new three model range of 328i Touring is £30,400, the 320d Touring is £29,380 and the 330d Touring costs £34,700.

I did best on fuel with the 330d Touring which returned 36mpg and is a much roomier car now with really useful loadbed, seat flexibility and a smoother ride.

The rear glass hatch can be opened independently of the fifth door and this is useful for dropping in shopping and suchlike.

Access is good, the seats quickly fold down in a 40:20:40 arrangement and the car was equipped with a huge sunroof, which unfortunately seemed to have a rattle in its fitting.

The beefy engine was utterly unstressed, it was smooth, quiet and very relaxing to drive with good feedback through the steering wheel and footbrake.