BMW’s fleet favourite, the 3 Series, will receive a facelift in September – the first since it was launched in 2005.

The looks have been tweaked inside and out, and a new all-aluminium engine has been introduced in the 330d. Owners of that model and the 325d should see cost-of-ownership savings.

All of BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies will be included, and the German carmaker promises best-in-class fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

The revised 3 Series will be available with five petrol and five diesel engines at launch.

Changes include the 318d, which is now available with a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time.

The new 330d has 245bhp – 14bhp more than its predecessor – and more torque, while fuel economy has improved from 46.3 to 49.6mpg.

Emissions drop from 160 to 152g/km.

The two-thirds of 330d drivers that go for an automatic gearbox will see their car qualify for a lower Vehicle Excise Duty – band D rather than E, thanks to emissions lowered from 176g/km to 164g/km.

The 325d and 335d will also see performance and efficiency improvements.

Fuel consumption in the 325d rises from 47.9 to 49.6mpg while CO2 emissions fall from 155 to 153g/km, and the automatic version again drops a VED band to band D.

The 335d’s power stays the same at 286bhp but the acceleration to 62mph improves to 6.2 seconds.

Looks-wise, the bonnet has been made more muscular and the grille reprofiled. The headlights are also different, as is the front bumper.

The new car gets bigger wing mirrors, and the rear lights are now comprised of LEDs as standard.

Inside, a revised centre console houses an all-new optional iDrive system and active head restraints as standard.

The new 3 Series, in both saloon and Touring form, goes on sale on September 20. Prices will be announced nearer the time.