The BMW 3-Series Touring M Sport delivers a "blood-and-thunder" performance alongside surprisingly good fuel economy, one reviewer has noted.

Writing for newcarnet.co.uk, Chris Whitcombe highlights his surprise at the sports-branded estate car's 57.6mpg quoted economy figures, branding it quite "unbelievable" for a car with this power.

BMW car hire enthusiasts are likely to be impressed by the 177bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, which can get motorists from standstill to 62mph in just 8.2 seconds and keep going all the way to 142mph.

He writes: "Nor is it just speed and economy that is so seductive in this BMW Touring. The handling, the poise and the high level of grip with very little roll are all superb."

Mr Whitcombe describes the ease with which the car navigates through S-bends, while retaining a dignified and quiet sound.

The 3-Series Touring is available with BMW's EfficientDynamics, which it says helps to reduce fuel consumption and emissions levels without compromising the driving performance.

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Posted by Jenny Denham