BMW 3-Series

BMW's 3-Series Touring is everything you'd want a lifestyle load-lugger to be. The stylish rear has been well integrated and the boot is large by class standards. However, suspension intrusion could be a problem for wide loads. Superb driving dynamics match the saloon's, and there's a great choice of engines. Is it better than rivals? Look out for next week's group test.

It's a tough brief. The new 3-Series Touring must offer class-leading practicality and space, and yet still manage to deliver the marque's legendary driving dynamics. Sampled here for the first time in the UK, we find out if the newcomer has what it takes to put the boot into rivals.

This is the fourth-generation version of BMW's lifestyle estate, which first tempted image-conscious family car buyers back in 1988. On sale from 17 September, it will initially be available in either 325i or 320d guises with three specification levels - ES, SE and the new top-of-the-range M Sport.

The 320d will be the big-seller (it accounted for more than 70 per cent of the previous-generation Touring sales), but the 163bhp diesel is already well proven, so here we've taken the wheel of the new 215bhp 325i. This is by no means the end of the line-up. Three more engines will join the range later this year - the petrol 320i and 330i, and the eagerly anticipated 231bhp 330d.

Prices range from £23,040 to £33,290, while all models feature a six-speed manual gearbox, run-flat tyres, six air-bags and air-conditioning. SE variants get such niceties as cruise control and parking sensors, while the M Sport versions will have sports seats, firmer suspension and styling enhancements.

But what about the boot? Well, although no longer than the saloon, the Touring is bigger than ever. Access can either be gained by the conventional tailgate, or for smaller loads, by simply opening the separate glass window. Either way, the 460-litre boot is cleverly shaped, and although the rear-wheel-drive layout means that the suspension intrudes significantly, there is plenty of useful extra stowage hidden under the floor.

The seat-folding mechanism is easy to use - the backrest flips down on to the chair base to create a surprisingly flat load bay. However, the 1,385-litre maximum volume compares poorly to most family estates, and is beaten by load-lugging versions of the Mercedes C-Class and Jaguar X-Type.

Further forward, rear seat space is good, but it's the driving environment most buyers will be concerned about. It's a mixture of good and bad - the seating position, build and material quality are excellent, but the design is an acquired taste. In this respect the Touring is no different to the saloon, but the distinctive dashboard is likely to put some potential buyers off.

The 215bhp and 250Nm 2.5-litre straight-six is responsive at low revs, punchy at the top end and has a sporty yet unobtrusive engine note. The 0-60mph sprint is achieved in 7.2 seconds, while there's a top speed of 151mph. But as ever, the engine is only part of this model's driver appeal.

A new bodyshell is 25 per cent stiffer than the outgoing car's, but an average of 15kg lighter. This helps the Touring to feel every bit as agile, well balanced and involving to drive as the saloon.

Steering on the new car is a delight and, as long as you don't opt for larger wheels, the ride is comfortable. Sporting and spacious, the BMW estate does everything we expected of it, and more.