bmw alpina d3

Alpina and tuned BMWs are synonymous.
Alpina has turned out some stunning versions of the BMW range over the years (and some not so stunning – their 8 Series springs to mind) and they fill a gap that is either not profitable in small volume for BMW or, in some cases, a hole that BMW hasn’t plugged.
And this one is a good hole to fill with the BMW Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo, a 3 Series diesel with the heart of a hot hatch. Alpina has taken the engine out of the 1 Series 123d and given it a boost to 240bhp, in the process dropping the 0-60 time to a very creditable 6.9 seconds
But it’s not the sprint that count,  but the way this peppy diesel unit delivers it. With a big (relatively) lump of torque at it’s disposal it feels much quicker than the headline times. In fact, it’ up there with the 330D, but drinks like a miser. Fuel economy is  stunning 52mpg, and just 143g/km Co2.
This is an updated version of last years car and a clever car it is. I can’t think of many cars off the top of my head that would be such a perfect daily drive. Great performance and good economy, in  a well-built and classy looking car, with the added kudos of the Alpina badge.