Category: Compact Executive 
Price Range: £21,525 to £38,060
Superb refinement, superb quality, terrific detail design - now even better to drive
Not much; a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for, and it's a bit cramped too.
If you're happy with a BMW - and plenty are - a sensible and hugely satisfying buy.
The 2001 3-Series scored four stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests, and this facelifted model is structurally similar. Equipment levels were upped to include front-seat side airbags and head airbags, as well as traction control and dynamic stability control. Not all models have a third three-point seatbelt in the rear, however.
