'official' spy shots
, it's rather difficult to write a conventional story on a manufacturer-sponsored video of a new car. With its factory DTM driver behind the wheel.
So will take Andy Priaulx's enthusiastic views on the great grip, turn-in and powerful brakes of the M235i with a hefty pinch of salt. But what does seeing the car being driven very fast around Thruxton tell us?
Firstly, the M Performance 2 Series arguably doesn't look quite as exciting at a murky, featureless Thruxton as it did in the press shots. Again, we'll reserve proper judgement until seeing the car properly, but there just seems to be a lot of metal around the wheels and boot. Let's see.
Performance certainly isn't in any doubt. With a few extra horsepower and less weight than the 1 Series hatch, the M235i gets through the auto's eight gears very rapidly indeed. It's at 140mph before the chicane too.
Through the corners, the 2 Series looks composed, remaining unflustered through Church for example. Don't forget the LSD on the options list too, for when you don't want to drive in a precise, Priaulx-esque fashion...
Plenty to be encouraged by with the M235i then. When can we have a go BMW?