Verdict: Attractive, practical, good to drive and cheap to run.
What’s Not?
> Can’t match the 3 Series Touring for outright practicality – for instance, there is a 4 inch lip to negotiate if you are loading the hatch, and the boot narrows where the rear wheel arches intrude.
> Perennial gripe about expensive and unending option list – budget £5k for adaptive M Sport suspension, heads-up display and superior professional sat nav and metallic paint, double it if you get excited about kit and want all the goodies.
> Liable to confuse because the Four Series Gran Coupé is sold by BMW alongside the Three Series Grand Touring, also with a hatchback and five doors…a niche too far?
> Sensitive to colour combos and options; can be gloomy inside owing to the enveloping shape.
