GENERATIONAL TALENT

The seventh-generation 3 Series estate was and still is a star player

- SAM PHILLIPS

BMW's 3 Series Touring has been a front-runner in the executive estate car class for 40 years now, having been progressively improved across seven generations.

You could spend a good chunk of cash on a nearly new 'G81' example, but why not save yourself around £10,000 by buying an older 'F31' that's very nearly as talented?

Launched in 2012, this particular 3 Series immediately outclassed many desirable alternatives like the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz C-Class for comfort, refinement, equipment and space - but what really set it apart was its chassis tuning and suspension, which made the car as rewarding and engaging to drive as the saloon.

“The handling is agile and sure-footed,” we said when we first drove it, “and it has just the right amount of roll, pitch and dive to remind you that you're testing the chassis.”