BMW has revved up the Compact and 3 Series Coupe with the offer of a sparkling new 1.9 litre multi-valve engine. The engine is the same as the one which will appear in the Z3 Roadster when it comes to Britain at the end of the year. It offers more torque and improved refinement than the outgoing 1.8 litre unit.

With 140 bhp, the new Compact reaches 62 mph in 9.9 seconds with the Coupe just behind on 10.2 seconds. Top speeds are 130 mph for the Compact and 132 mph for the Coupe. Prices are unchanged at £15,650 for the 318ti Compact and £19,355 for the 318is Coupe.