Alpina D3 diesel in power boost

'Diesel' and 'performance' remain two words that still don't quite trip off the tongue easily.

That should change with the arrival of the Alpina D3, with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that cracks the magic 100bhp-per-litre figure.

Based on the latest BMW 320d, the Alpina has 200bhp and 302lb ft of torque on tap.

That's enough grunt to see the D3 from rest to 62mph in 7.4 seconds and on to a 145mph top speed.

That sort of performance is not earth shattering, but in a car capable of 47.9mpg combined fuel economy, it's very impressive.

Spotting a D3 will be easy thanks to the trademark Alpina front and rear spoilers, 19in alloy wheels, and on the inside an Alpina steering wheel and blue-faced dials.

The D3 costs from £26,995 and is available from Alpina GB at www.alpinabmw.co.uk.

© Source: original article on topgear