WHY BMW decided in their wisdom to rename the 3-Series coupe and convertible the 4 Series beats me.

It exactly the same size as the saloon and carries exactly the same range of engines so it seems a bit pointless.

However, these new 4's drive like a dream if the 430d I got my hands on for a short time recently is anything to go by.

In X-drive four-wheel-drive form, it scorches to 62 miles an hour in just 5.3 seconds and on to a limited maximum of the ubiquitous 155 miles per hour.

But that's only half the story, because the government average economy figure is an almost unbelievable 52mpg and CO2 emissions are down to an astonishing 141g/km.

It's an absolute hoot to drive, with massive acceleration from any speed when fitted with the excellent adaptive eight-speed automatic gearbox.

On top of that it rides beautifully even on rough country roads and of course the handling and road holding are sublime, with breathtaking cornering speeds.

There are four individual seats, with plenty of legroom in the back, but if you regularly use them buy the 3 Series for much easier access.

Equipment is excellent in the M Sport I drove but, even so, a split-folding back seat - standard on the cheapest supermini - is £170 extra.