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BMW 3 Series Touring spied – BMW 3 Series Touring spied New BMW 3 Series Touring spy shots reveal new nose of estate and a look that’s similar to the current version
The next BMW 3 Series Touring has been spotted testing. The rival for the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class Estate is based on the recently launched saloon, and it will have the same lower nose, chrome detailing and quality fit and finish throughout.

These pictures show that the 3 Series Touring’s overall shape is similar to that of the current car, with a roofline that drops at the rear in near identical fashion. The rear end is set to have a similar look to the BMW 5 Series Touring. 

The 3 Series Touring is larger than its predecessor, but like the saloon it will be lighter and more efficient. 
There’s more interior space, with the angular dash taken from the saloon in what’s an evolution of the previous model’s design. A split-fold rear seat should be standard (it’s an option on the saloon) to offer more luggage space, thanks to the longer wheelbase than the previous model. 

The same six-tier range as the saloon will debut, made up of the ES, ED, SE, Luxury, Modern and Sport ranges. Engine choices will see the excellent 2.0-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol, the four-cylinder turbocharged 328i and flagship 335i, which remains the only six-cylinder engine in the range. All engines will be offered with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The 320d ED will be the efficiency leader: it emits a mere 109g/CO2 and 68.9mpg in saloon form, so the estate will deliver a similar result. A Hybrid 3 Series saloon will debut later this year, so a Touring version is on the cards as well.

The rear-wheel-drive 3 Series Touring is expected to set a new class benchmark for driving dynamics, and options such as adaptive drive damping and Sports steering willbe offered.

It will also likely score a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, with ABS, ESP and options including blind-spot assist and Lane Departure Warning.  

The BMW 3 Series Touring goes on sale late in 2012, and will be priced from £26,000.

For an alternative review of the latest BMW 3-Series visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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