The standard test for a new car usually involves around 300 miles of driving over various roads; however this time round it was very different: an Alpine Tour, taking in three countries - Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The subject car was the BMW 320d Touring.
My final destination: Samnaun, high in the mountains of Switzerland and unique as the only tax-free oasis in this beautiful country.
We flew to Munich and 20 minutes from the airport a black BMW 320d Touring awaited for the test.
It is a joy to drive on roads, smooth as billiard tables, a far cry from the dreadful road surfaces we now have to put up with in the UK.
On the way to Samnaun the plan was to have a couple of stops and a chance to explore. First stop was near Berchtesgaden and a long-anticipated visit to the Kehlsteinhaus but a surprise bonus came with a cruise on the stunning Lake Konigssee.
Next stop was Seefeld in Austria. On the way the Heavens opened but the surefooted BMW delivered us safely.
Yet again, the new BMW 3-Series is at the cutting edge of new technology and is once again extending its leadership over the competition in terms of efficiency.
The BMW 320d now has extra muscle, superb traction and a further important highlight is that all model variants of the BMW 3 Series now fulfil the EU5 emissions standard.
With optional BMW BluePerformance technology, not only the BMW 330d Saloon but also the 320d Saloon and the BMW 320d Touring are now becoming the first four-cylinder models to fulfil the EU6 emission standard - this doesn't come into force until 2014.
For the 2010 model year both the Saloon and Touring models are available with a choice of no less than five petrol and six diesel engines, the range of power extending from 115bhp to 306bhp.
My test car proved economical and with 184bhp on tap, surprisingly powerful. The 320d Touring can reach a top speed of 144mph and rest to 62mph comes up in a whisker under eight seconds - perfect of Autobahn driving.
BMW has chosen a sensible approach to lowering emissions and delivering good fuel economy and a perfect example of one of these measures is their Auto Stop/Start system.
The manual gearbox four-cylinder models in the 3-Series come with this Auto Start-Stop function helping to avoid any additional consumption of fuel when the engine is idling.
All models with manual gearbox are equipped with a gearshift point indicator telling the driver the right time to shift gears in the interest of minimum fuel consumption.
I have to admit that the BMW Touring is among my all time favourite cars. For me it is the epitome of driving dynamics and the absolute trendsetter in terms of efficiency.
It delivers sheer driving pleasure and yet it is a practical vehicle; admittedly it does not offer the load carrying capacity of a traditional estate, but it has style where most estates are boring and dull.
The best friend we had on our 700 mile drive was the excellent Sat Nav system. On every occasion it delivered us to the very front door of our hotel. This is probably the best system I have ever used.
Would you believe in the month of June, while Northern Ireland basked in sunshine we arrived in Samnaun amidst a snow shower? This had even the locals puzzled.
From a smuggler’s paradise, Samnaun has developed itself over the years into a paradise for winter enthusiasts, hikers and shoppers.
There are a number of top-class hotels where Switzerland, Austria and Italy meet. Set between the Arlberg and Silvretta Mountains, snow is guaranteed in the ski season and there are 41 modern lift facilities.
We did experience one of the ski lifts, which afforded superb views. However Samnaun is a year round quality resort; there are a number of hotels with wellness facilities and there is the Alpenquell Erlebnibad, an Alpine spring adventure pool. In fact it is the highest swimming complex in Switzerland.
Our hotel choice was the Hotel Chasa Montana, one of the finest hotels we have ever stayed in. The facilities were five-star, the cuisine was great, there was a terrific pool and spa and above all a very friendly staff.
The owners Eliane and Hubert Zegg were so welcoming. They really know how to look after their guests.
Shopping is a big thing in Samnaun, due to its geographical location it enjoys duty free shopping status.
The Zegg family operate a number of shops and you can purchase the top brand watches and jewellery at prices you dreamed of.
When I topped up the 320d Touring, there was another pleasant surprise, diesel fuel was two pounds a gallon cheaper than back home. This is one place we want to return to, apart from Samnaun itself, the road that winds up the mountain is some 12 miles in length and is akin to a stage on the Monte Carlo Rally.
Although we selected the scenic route to reach Samnaun, it is a mere 180 miles from Munich Airport and given the quality of the roads it is an easy drive.
I must add that when we arrived at the BMW Press Service Centre to collect the 320d Touring, the launch of the new 5-Series Touring was in full flow and for a moment I was tempted to ask for a drive.
Finally a big thank you to BMW, Annette Klar (Germany) and Martin Harrison (UK), Nina Heis (Samnaun Tourism) and Eliane and Hubert Zegg.
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