Getting back into the 330d estate car again after 12 months, it didn’t take me long to realise why it had been a class winner last year. All that torque, supreme handling and BMW’s renowned build quality.
The outfit romped up Millbrook’s long 14% gradient in 3rd gear, while on the flat you could put it into 6th at 45mph and leave it there for almost as long as you liked – in fact, until you reached speeds that would get you a ticket anywhere in Europe. The ride is supremely comfortable too... so why did it lose out to the Mazda6? It doesn’t swallow as much load, and just look at the price differential.
| Make/Model |
Caravan weight |
Drive |
Cyls/CC |
bhp/lb ft@rpm |
Price |
Tested |
| BMW 330d SE Touring |
1,437kg |
RWD |
6/2926 |
184/287@1750-3200 |
£30,295 |
2005 |
BMW 330d SE Touring
