BMW reveals revised 3 Series.

Byline: Steve Hughes

BMW has taken the wraps off a revised 3 Series range - one of the UK's best-selling models. The lucrative premium small family model out-sells traditional favourites such as the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra - and BMW aims to keep it that way.

With the new Vauxhall Insignia looming large on the horizon and Ford's Mondeo scooping almost every accolade in the car industry, the new 3 Series is hoping to cut a dash.

The new BMW will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October, although the company has just released the first images.

Visually the changes are minimal, with additional chrome around the headlamps with optional bi-xenons, new LED indicators and restyled door mirrors plus changes to the side skirts, rear bumper and lights.

Inside there is a less complicated iDrive system, which is optional, an enlarged 8.8-in colour screen and integrated 80GB hard-drive.

The real changes are beneath the skin and are designed to make the car more efficient, less thirsty and less expensive to run. They include the incorporation of BMW's acclaimed Efficient Dynamics technology that uses stop/start and regenerative braking to optimise energy that would otherwise be wasted. Other features are low resistance tyres and a gearshift display to encourage drivers to change up at the earliest point.

There is a new engine for the 330d model with an output of 245bhp and torque of 383lb/ft to generate acceleration to 60mph in about six seconds, a top speed of 155mph, economy nudging 50mpg and a CO2 figure of just 152g/km.

The lower CO2 figure means that in this latest guise, the 330d owner pays less tax, as is also the case with the other oil-burning Saloon and Touring models in the range. Also new will be the option of four-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission system for the 318d and a seven-speed auto-shifter for the Coupe and Convertible models.

Prices for the new range have yet to be announced.