THE new BMW 3 Series Saloon is a car of contradictions.

Here is a model that's larger and more spacious than its predecessor yet at the same time is lighter and, in many cases, quicker.

It is also more fuel-efficient than before as well as being more nimble and agile.

And when big steps forward in style, quality, comfort and specification are further taken into consideration for only a minimal increase in price the model certainly represents an attractive proposition in its latest form.

Compact BMW saloons have long appealed to the emotions of keen drivers because of their outstanding driving dynamics but with the advent of the company's EfficientDynamics technologies to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, they also now present a compelling business case.

Big things are expected of the new model as it offers even more efficient motoring than its predecessor, which was Britain's eighth best-selling car last year.

By next month, when additional engines have been added to the four currently offered, BMW will have eight versions of the car with CO2 emissions at or below 120g/km while competitors can muster only one each with these bringing clear benefits to owners in terms of benefit-in-kind company car taxation and vehicle excise duty.

Expected to attract much interest is the 320d EfficientDynamics version, with CO2 emissions of less than 110g/km, so allowing businesses which outright purchase, to write off 100% of the cost of the car against tax in the first year.

The EfficientDynamics technologies which gave the previous BMW 3 Series saloon such a competitive advantage not only remain very much in place but have been supplemented by new features. Auto stop-start is now fitted to all versions, manual and automatic, along with brake energy regeneration, on-demand control of engine ancillary components and tyres with less rolling resistance.

The weight of the saloon has been reduced by up to 50kg compared with the previous model, while the drag coefficient is as low as 0.26 thanks to optimised aerodynamics. Improvements include a streamlined underside, covers which create a diffuser effect at the rear, plus aero curtain air channels in the front apron to reduce the turbulence created by the front wheels in their arches.

An eight-speed automatic gearbox is available as an alternative to the six-speed manual transmission that's fitted as standard across the line-up. Giving a wider spread of ratios than the former six-speed unit without taking up any more space, it is also now offered with every engine to improve efficiency significantly. For example, the new 318d automatic now emits 22g/km less CO2 than the previous 318d automatic model.

Drivers no longer have to pay a penalty at the pumps for choosing a two-pedal car because the automatic versions are now as fuel-efficient, or more so, than their manual equivalents

The car's stiffer body and an all-new chassis is based on a longer wheelbase. It also has wider tracks (increased by 37mm at the front and 47mm at the rear). There has been an increase in overall length of 93mm but the model continues to have thee characteristic BMW design proportions of short overhangs for maximum agility.

BMW 3 Series Saloon buyers are extremely diverse in their preferences and tastes, with a growing demand for greater personalisation, and the new model range has been configured to reflect that, even though there are more trim levels than ever – some six in all.

The ES, SE and, later in 2012, M Sport versions of the 3 Series saloon are being complemented by Sport, Modern and Luxury models, each with a distinct character and increased opportunities for adding a personal touch.

New options include park assist, which allows the car to parallel park itself, with the driver controlling the accelerator and brake.

Also on offer are surround-view cameras, which even let the driver see the car from above and the sides. Practicality can be increased with a new 40:20:40 split-folding rear-seat option.

Fresh safety options include a full-colour head-up display which shows current speed limits, the car's current speed and turn-by-turn instructions when a BMW navigation system is fitted. Dynamic Safety tensions the seat belts and closes any open windows or the sunroof (if fitted and open) if an accident seems imminent.

BMW UK says four-wheel-drive and hybrid versions of the car will follow towards the end of the year.