The 3 series saloon continues to maintain a vice-like grip on the small executive saloon sector, and BMW have given this beautiful and classy car a boost by adding extra kit in a clutch of new models, designated ES.

Last year, the baby Beamer broke sales records in the British market, racking up 60,000 of the company's 85,000 total registrations here.

The 318i ES and 320d ES come in both saloon and Touring (estate) body styles, but don't confuse them with the slightly pricier SE versions - the £2,390-worth of additional equipment gives the ES a more competitive edge.

Saloon-wise, the 318i retails at £19,995, with the 320d costing £20,995. The extra spec is designed to add a more sporting air to the ES offerings, and, for the most part, the ploy succeeds.

Most noticeable for the driver is the addition of sporting suspension, which complemented nicely the tested diesel version, because this willing four-cylinder has much more get-up-and-go than most oil-burners.

The ES's other sporty bolt-ons are the cross-spoke alloy wheels and a leather steering wheel, and then you get a CD player, anthracite interior headlining, and colour-coded door and grab handles among the extra kit.

Any young player in management mode will appreciate both the 320d ES's engine dynamics and low 18 per cent company tax banding, at the same time savouring the disciplined roadholding and nimble handling.

BMW's attention to driving detail is faultless, and the 3 Series has tight body control for a fantastic overall ride. A £310 investment in the test car's dynamic stability control would be money well spent, too.

The 320d's 0-60mph time of 8.9 seconds will satisfy most motorists, and the 134mph top speed, almost double the UK legal limit, equates to ample power reserves for motorway manoeuvres.

Neither does the fuel gauge drop alarmingly - with 64.2 mpg officially posted for country driving, and the overall figure at 51.4mpg, good economy is assured.

At all times, though, the engine note is never harsh, and BMW's quality soundproofing keeps out most of the noise.

Cabin clutter has been cropped out to make the controls easy to locate and use, with a clear and concise instrument panel further boosting that good-to-be-with feel.

Driver and front passenger get great views and plenty of space, but the old 3 Series grumble, lack of rear seat room, hasn't yet been fully addressed.

Yes, it's better than in the bargain 3 Series Compact, but leg, head and elbow room is still a way off being generous.

The payback is the boot, a sizeable 440 litres, with easy loading access through the yawning lid thrown in.

Standard equipment on a 3 Series is fairly high to begin with, so anything mentioned before builds upon the basic specification of electric front windows, anti-lock brakes, manual air conditioning, electric door mirrors, power steering, adjustable steering column and a full airbag system and many, many minor comfort and convenience items.

If that lot doesn't put a smile on your face, then what you get for the 320d ES at sell-on time will. BMW's resale values take some beating, and a pristine second-hand 3 Series will always hold its money.