BMW's product offensive continues with the revealing of the new 3-series Touring. When the new estate goes on sale in the UK (September 17th this year), the only engine options at launch will be the 2-litre diesel and the 2.5-litre version of the new lightweight straight-six. Further variants will be added later in the autumn, including the 320i, 330i and the high-performance 330d. It remains to be seen whether BMW will fit the incredible twin sequential turbo diesel engine we tested in the 535d.

The new Touring is a handsome car, its extended roofline enhancing the elegance of the 3-series. It should be quite practical too, a far cry from the first stylish, but not very spacious 3-series Touring from the late '80s. Indeed, the new car is significantly bigger than the outgoing model: 42mm longer overall (35mm of that in the wheelbase), 78mm wider and 9mm higher. As with the excellent new 3-series saloon, rear occupants in particular have more space, and the luggage area has been increased (by 25 litres with the seats up, or 40 with them folded).

As with its predecessor, the Touring tailgate incorporates a separate opening window for throwing light loads into the back. The new car also features an automatic luggage cover and a watertight under floor storage box for taking care of dirty loads without marking your lovely carpet. Other options include an ISOFIX seat fixing for the front seat (there are two as standard in the rear) and a full-length glass sunroof.

No doubt that Touring will be as good to drive as the saloon is. Despite a modest weight increase, BMW still claims a 50/50 weight distribution for the Touring, ensuring its balance and stability should match the saloon's. Hopefully we will get to drive the new Touring this year, but in the meantime you can read our reviews of the new 330i saloon and of the 320d and 320i saloons.

Shane O' Donoghue - 20 Apr 2005