BMW'S entry model 316i Compact is from this month equipped with a new and more powerful 1.9-litre 105bhp engine, producing more power, torque and improved fuel consumption. It replaces the existing 1.6-litre 102bhp engine, boosting torque by 10% to 122lb-ft at a lower 2,500rpm, compared to the former engine's 3,900rpm.

This provides a higher top speed of 119mph (117mph from the 1.6-litre engine), faster acceleration from 0-62mph of 11.9secs (12.3secs) and almost a second improvement on fourth gear acceleration from 50-75mph at 11.4secs (12.2secs). Combined fuel consumption has also improved to 37.2mpg from 36.7mpg. The price of the 316i Compact remains unchanged at £14,695 on-the-road for the manual and £15,735 for the automatic.