BMW has chosen the Autocar stand at the Performance Car Show in January for the all new BMW 3 Series to make its UK show debut.

Tim Abbott, managing Director of BMW UK, said: "We are delighted that the all new BMW 3 Series saloon, our biggest selling model in the UK, will take pride of place on the Autocar stand. The latest 3 Series has already proven popular with the Autocar team, retaining its crown as the class-leading executive car and we know that the magazine's readers rate BMW as one of their most desirable marques. With the new car on the stand, visitors will be able to see for themselves why the new 3 Series saloon is a sector defining model."

On display on the Autocar stand will be the all new BMW 320d Sport model, powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engine that generates 184hp, hits 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 146mph.

Autocar editor Jim Holder said: "We've driven the all new BMW 3 Series saloon and we are hugely impressed. It thoroughly deserves pride of place on the Autocar stand at the show - it's going to be a 'must see' car for visitors."

The new model features Drive Performance Control as standard, allowing the driver to choose between four modes: ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport and even Sport+ on the Sport models, for those wanting the ultimate road experience.

The BMW 3 Series will be alongside Autocar's Handling Day Car of the Year, the Porsche Cayman R, as well as the Range Rover Evoque and the Ginetta G60.

Visitors to the Autocar stand can also see Autocar's road test team taking part in live Q&A sessions and revealing their best cars and memories from 2011.

Autocar will also be running a competition to win VIP packages to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The prize includes admission tickets for two, food and drink, grandstand access and VIP parking.

The Performance Car Show: powered by PistonHeads.com is part of Autosport International, the world's greatest motorsport show. Featuring stars and cars from all disciplines of motorsport, Formula One racer Paul Di Resta will reflect on his successful season with Force India, while TV presenters David Coulthard and Jake Humphrey offer a behind the scenes insight into the glamorous world of F1.

In addition to some of motorsport's iconic machines, Autosport International will also play host to wheel-to-wheel racing in the Live Action Arena, where daredevil stunts and high octane demonstrations will delight those who cannot wait until the start of the season for their racing fix.

Tickets for The Performance Car Show: Powered by PistonHeads.com are now on sale.