Few cars have managed to be considered the default options of their segment, with the BMW 3-Series to be one of them.

The latest facelift of BMW’s best-seller brought the usual refreshing touches inside and out that help in keeping the 3-Series relevant and at the top of its game, but the big news are that under the bonnet of the entry-level model there is now a new three-cylinder turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine for Europe (not available in North America).

It’s the same engine we first saw in the Mini and in the 318i, it makes 134hp and 220Nm (162lb ft) of torque, which are good enough for a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in a respectable 8.9 seconds and a 210km/h (130mph) top speed.

Carbuyer reviews the entry-level 3-Series and points out the good, but also some of the negatives in their typical clean style. Is the 3-cylinder petrol unit good enough for the 3-Series? Some will say yes while others still prefer their BMWs with as many cylinders as possible.

Check out the video that follows.

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