WE RAVED over the BMW 3 Series diesel when it was first launched in Australia 18 months ago and it has just been made better with the release of an upgraded 320d with more performance combined with even better fuel economy. The third-generation 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine – as recently installed into three other BMW models the 120d, 520d and X3 2.0d – produces 10kW more power and 10Nm more torque than the previous-generation engine, pushing the 320d to 100km/h 0.6 seconds faster than before at just 8.2 seconds. More importantly, being lighter and more efficient, the combined-cycle consumption figure is down to just six litres per 100km - an improvement of 0.6L/100km or about 10 per cent. Better still, there is no increase in price. At $56,700 with a standard six-speed auto, the 320d is a relative bargain.