The original BMW M3 was
aimed right at our hearts–
light, tight and powered by a
high-winding engine. Since then, the
M3 has gotten even faster, but it’s no
secret that it’s also gotten heavier and
more complicated.
Now that the manufacturer has
released an M version of their new 2
Series coupe, we have a message for
BMW: Welcome …
Read the rest of the story
and if they had it in a 5-door hatchback, I'd be buying one.
I'd love to see how this does on an autocross course. I recall some thinking that the 135 would be the car to have in its SCCA stock class -- but the turbo lag, though hardly noticeable on the street, drove at least one autocrosser I know to distraction.
The small styling changes from the 1 make it much less polarizing. Estoril Blue with the reddish leather is a pretty sweet combo...I don't think I'm a "new turbo BMW" type purchaser though.