Price: $44,150
Mileage: 23 city, 36 highway and 27 combined mpg

As the most versatile, entry-level diesel car on the market with its many configurations and engines, BMW's 3 Series is the ideal platform for a diesel engine in the guise of the 335d. Representing the acute handling attributes and best fuel economy of the 3 Series, it costs $2,100 more than the comparably equipped 335i and gets 5 mpg better fuel economy in combined driving.

A 265-horsepower, 3-liter, twin-turbocharged, diesel six-cylinder inline engine turns the rear wheels via a six-speed, driver-shiftable automatic transmission. Torque is a remarkable 425 foot-pounds. Hitting 60 miles per hour from a standstill takes just less than 6 seconds by BMW's watch.

Configured to seat five, the 335d really seats four comfortably. Trunk space is a tidy 12 cubic feet.

Included among its standard features are full power accessories, heated outboard mirrors, power-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, tilt-telescoping steering wheel with redundant audio controls, rain-sensing wipers, trip computer, six air bags, sunroof, and a 10-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack.