The compact executive car is the brand’s biggest seller, accounting for a quarter of its global sales and with 14 million sold in its 40-year history.

On sale from late summer, the facelifted car is marked out by re-shaped bumpers, LED daytime running lights from the 4 Series Coupe concept, and accents of chrome inside, while new technology includes active cruise control and segment-first 4G LTE high-speed connectivity.

The engine range comprises four petrol engines and seven diesels, with the new 318i at the entry-point. This is the same three-cylinder turbocharged unit used in the MINI Cooper, producing 134bhp and offering CO2 emissions of 119g/km in the 3 Series – the first time this model line-up has included a three-cylinder engine.

Diesels comprise a range of four-cylinder units, and the 161bhp 320d EfficientDynamics is the economy leader – this can now rival the Jaguar XE with CO2 emissions of 99g/km and 74.3mpg when equipped with the Steptronic automatic gearbox. The 188bhp 320d returns 70.6mpg and emits 106g/km CO2.

The first ever plug-in hybrid 3 Series launches in 2016. Badged 330e, this featuring a 249bhp petrol-electric drivetrain, comprising a 184bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine and 107bhp electric motor, returning 134.5mpg and emitting 49g/km, and offering a range of 22 miles.