WHEN vital statistics show that a third of all BMW United Kingdom sales are diesels, and that a sixth of all BMW sales are convertibles, then it seems pretty obvious that there should be a marriage of sorts.

And that is what is happening, a coupling that sees the birth of the 320Cd convertible.

Mechanically, it is similar to the recently launched coupe: except there are changes within the engine management unit, a final shorter drive and a modified exhaust system. The suspension settings have also been adapted from the coupe to suit the convertible's ride characteristics.

The new model is powered by a 2.0-litre engine, developing 150bhp at 4,000rpm, with torque an equally impressive 330Nm at 2,000rpm, with most of this being developed at 1,500rpm when the engine is just above idle.

Pleasing to fleet buyers should be the fact that the engine surpasses European exhaust demands without even a particulate filter.

The economical and clean common rail engine produces 44.8mpg at the combined rate, and is also capable of taking the car from 0-62mph in 9.7-seconds.

The new model will be offered in SE and Sport trims, with standard kit including ABS anti-lock brakes, six airbags, stability control, parking sensors, cruise control and BMW's business radio with CD player. On top of this the Sport version also gets M-model aerodynamic body styling, sports seats, suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The car goes on sale early this year.

Updated: 11:37 Friday, January 07, 2005