SCI-FI WRITER ARTHUR C Clarke foresaw everything from communications satellites to remote working - but he also said we'd have bioengineered monkey servants. Yes, predicting the future is hard, but if we were to have a crack, we'd suggest that this new BMW M2 is likely to be a safe place to put your money.
Why? Well, for starters, it slots in as the most compact car in BMW's current M performance range, and if you look at the division's back catalogue, you see that the smaller models tend to be among the most revered; the original M3, the Z3 M Coupé and the 1M Coupé are all bonafide classics.
In addition, the M2 continues to feature rear-wheel drive and the option of a manual gearbox (an eight-speed automatic is standard), which should help it to appeal to enthusiasts. And as the final purely combustion-powered car the M division will ever build, it's destined to be historically significant.
Under the bonnet sits a variant of the turbocharged 3.0-litre engine that powers the latest M3 and M4. It's been detuned so that it produces 'only' 454bhp. But while that leaves the M2 being barely any faster than the cheaper M240i, you're unlikely to be left craving more performance; 0-62mph takes 4.1sec with the automatic 'box, or 4.3sec in manual form.
Bu hikaye What Car? UK dergisinin August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye What Car? UK dergisinin August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Lexus RZ 450e+ Takumi Bi-tone
Greater stamina and a lower price would have enhanced our opinion of this upmarket electric SUV
Audi A6 Avant 45 TFSI quattro Sport
Our new posh estate has to deal with a mega-miles commute and an older sibling. How will it get on?
Renault Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Evolution
It's our reigning Small Car of the Year, but will the latest Clio continue to impress in daily use? We're finding out
ALL POSHED UP
Looking to buy an upmarket SUV? For around £35,000, you could have a new Lexus LBX or a used BMW X1. Let's see where your money should go
JOINING UP THE TOTS
Small, cheap cars bring numerous benefits, especially if most of your driving is around town. We take three leading examples on a road trip to see which of them paints the most complete picture
GRIPPING STUFF
Tyre choice can make a huge difference to how your car behaves in changeable weather. We search for the best
Audi A6 e-tron
BMW i5 rival uses the same tech as the Q6 e-tron SUV for serious pace and range On sale Late 2024 Price from £62,000 (est)
Renault Symbioz
Slightly smaller than Renault's existing Austral, this new hybrid family SUV has its sights set firmly on the popular Nissan Qashqai On sale Now Price from £29,295
Volkswagen Golf
Family car celebrates its 50th birthday with an update, including much-improved infotainment On sale Now Price from £27,035
Hyundai Tucson
Update for Hyundai's family SUV includes a redesigned interior and a revised engine line-up On sale Now Price from £32,000