BMW 320d ED Sport

Technology: Diesel

Acceleration: 7.8 seconds

Top speed: 140mph

CO2 Emissions: 99 g/km

Economy: 74.3 MPG

Power: 163hp

BIK percentage: 18% (15/16); 17% (16/17); 19% (17/18)

Arrival date: Now

The BMW 320d ED Sport shows that, in motoring terms, you can have your cake and eat it.

With the ED part of the badge indicating BMW has given the 3 Series its EfficientDynamics treatment, the model is one of the most efficient in its class.

Available as in both saloon and estate form, the 320d ED uses tricks including lowered suspension and active air flaps behind the grille to make the car more aerodynamic. Matching this sort of technology to an excellent eight-speed Steptronic gearbox, emissions levels drop as low as 99g/km CO2 for the 2.0 litre turbo-diesel powered BMW, which will return a quoted 74.3 MPG.

Despite this frugal motoring, performance is far from lacklustre and there is the 3 Series’ famously excellent driving dynamics to take into consideration too.

To get the 320d ED Sport handling as well as it can, BMW’s Variable Damper Control will need to be specified, though Sport specification includes a few styling tweaks, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather trim and BMW’s Business Navigation set-up.

In short, the 320d ED Sport proves that frugal and efficient cars don’t have to be dull.