BMW’s sexy new 2 Series.

The BMW 2 Series Coupe takes the levels of driving pleasure on offer in a compact model to even greater heights. The new two-door cuts a particularly impressive figure with its distinctive body design, a range of extremely powerful engines and specially configured chassis technology.

There is clear water between the BMW 2 Series Coupe and the BMW 1 Series, the new model assuming a character all of its own. This differentiation is immediately recognisable in the design of the new car, but it also makes its presence felt in terms of performance. The BMW 2 Series Coupe is an even more eye-catching creation than its predecessor, the resoundingly successful BMW 1 Series Coupe.

The two-door model is first and foremost a Coupe from the BMW brand, and the design features that identify a member of this special breed – a three-box body with clearly defined boot and low-slung silhouette, a long bonnet, doors with frameless windows and a dynamically stretched roofline flowing smoothly into the rear end – are carried over into a compact model with greater enthusiasm and intent than ever.

The ultra-sporty driving characteristics of the BMW 2 Series Coupe – generated by a hand-picked selection of engines and chassis technology tuned to make the perfect pairing – are thus unambiguously expressed in the design of the exterior. The 135 kW four-cylinder engine in the BMW 220i Coupe is making its debut in a compact BMW model, and the 240 kW six-cylinder in-line engine under the bonnet of the BMW M235i Coupe earns it top billing as the most powerful petrol-driven member of the BMW M Performance Automobile line-up.

I was lucky enough to sample the top-of-the-range M235i before its local launch. The location was Midvaal Raceway, a rather old but fun circuit. The M235i came with BMWs sporty manual gearbox which I reckon is the perfect combination for this car. It’s a two-door 6cylinder rear wheel drive BMW with a manual gearbox, that is purity right there. The M235 reminded me of the old 325is.

My drive was short but well worth it. The 2 Series seems to offer much in regards to driver engagement and appeal. The 2 series with any one BMWs superb engine offerings is sure to deliver that iconic BMW driving pleasure.

Whats more though is that if you cant wait for the BMW M2-which we hope there will be one- do not stress. BMW’s M department is offering a fancy M performance package for the new 2 series. It looks really good and offers some power increases as well. These tantalising bits and pieces, which were designed in close collaboration with the M division, add a race-inspired flavor to the compact two-door range and the catalogue covers everything from the engine to the suspension, styling and cabin.

Unfortunately, the only M Performance power upgrade offered is for the 220d turbodiesel, which can be boosted to 147kW and 420Nm – an increase of 12kW and 40Nm.

That’s not to say they’ve avoided making the 240kW/450Nm M235i more entertaining to drive. Buyers can still frill it up with an M Performance silencer system, for more aural entertainment, and a limited-slip differential for enhanced road holding.

All 2 Series models can be ordered with M Performance sports suspension (which lowers the car by 20mm) as well as 19-inch M Performance alloy wheels, a bespoke aerodynamic styling kit, Alcantara/carbon finish sports steering wheel and various interior components to match.

We will bring you a more in depth test of the 2 Series in the coming months. For now though get down to Broadway BMW to find out more about this new model.