Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
It’s odd really. I’ve driven most every M since the “M Motorsport” derived designation came into existence, except for the original M1 (oh how I would love to have the opportunity) and the original E30 M3 (I’m up for that too, if you happen to have one and would be willing to let me behind the wheel). Like the Euro-spec 1994 E36-based M3 (one of 50 that came to Canada) that still makes my heart palpitate rapidly at the very thought of its perfectly balanced, high-revving, melodious sounding inline sextet, the M235i is relatively lightweight and powered by BMW’s classic straight six. The new one even has a turbo like the first M3, while output comes closer to an absolutely wonderful black on black 1995 M5 I drove at the onset of my M love affair, at 322 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
In
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Fun
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Then again, compared to the Ms of yore, the M235i is refined. Even when pushed harder than wise, it doesn’t bite you like older generation cars that didn’t include sport-tuned stability and traction control, amongst other go-fast driving aids. Still, the
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
The rest of the car is more of what we expect from a BMW, and by that I mean to say its interior is more upscale than the old 1 Series was. More soft-touch, pliable plastics make sure those upgrading from a mainstream brand’s top-line model won’t feel shortchanged, while the standard feature set is all most people will need
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
All the usual airbags are joined by an additional two for the driver’s and front passenger’s knees, taking care of passive safety, whereas active safety is enhanced by the aforementioned Automatic Stability Control + Traction, as well as Dynamic
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
The six-speed manual that I lauded earlier is also standard, while BMW has ditched the lovely dual-clutch seven-speed automated gearbox in favour of a new eight-speed automatic with paddle-shifters for those who want to experience more of an F1 experience. Before lambasting BMW for going the automatic route instead of retaining the dual-clutch system, it would be best to take one for a spin as the new eight-speed ZF autobox has been brilliant in other vehicles I’ve driven and therefore might be well up to the task of putting power down to the rear wheels of this little M car.
Both transmissions deliver reasonably good fuel economy, the manual rated at a Natural Resources Canada-claimed 11.2 L/100km in the city, 7.1 on the highway and 9.4 combined, and the automatic an even thriftier
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
All in all the slightly larger and therefore more practical 2 Series Coupe makes an ideal basis for a respectable M car, and while we’re a ways away from stepping into a true M2, this M235i should by far be good enough for most peoples’ requirements. It’s light, quick, tossable and just downright fun, plus it looks fabulous, is beautifully finished and comes nicely kitted out. Truly, the only concern we have is that BMW will realize this and then crush our hopes and dreams (and expectations) by not delivering the real M2 into our market. Fingers crossed…
The 2014 BMW M235i Coupe starts at $45,000 plus freight. Options, including the $895 needed for my test car’s gorgeous Estoril Blue Metallic paint, can drive the price beyond $55k, but you’ll end up with a brilliantly balanced M-tuned sports coupe that’s still $20k shy of an M4 Coupe.
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