BMW‘s quickest ever 3-series – the M3 – is now available with an automatic gearbox that actually cuts CO2 and fuel consumption compared with the manual.
Admittedly a 4.0-litre V8 performance car will never be a green leader, but the double clutch gearbox is 16g/km and 1.1mpg better than its manual sibling, compared to the normal rise in emissions and consumption for an auto.
It’s not cheap, though. Bearing in mind the general preference for a manual in performance vehicles, buyers are expected to stump up £2590 for the new gearbox, and in the convertible that’s on top of the £4610 premium over the coupe and £5335 over the saloon.
But both gearbox and car are predictably outstanding to drive. The gear change from the auto ‘box is smooth, and it’s difficult to outwit or confuse it. However, the high purchase price and running costs give the drop-top M3 a hefty 119.0p per mile running costs figure.
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