CHEAPER THRILLS
These sport-focused BMWs deliver plenty of bang for your buck AT A GLANCE
BMW has slashed $5000 from the price of its M140i, transforming the fivedoor hatch into the bargain buy of BMW’s M range. The $59,900 vehicle is $40,000 cheaper than the full blown M2 coupe (a manual-gearbox M2 Pure is $93,900), which helps explain why the vanilla-looking hatch will be the second most popular performance vehicle in the BMW arsenal this year.
The M240i coupe is likely to be less popular, largely because the premium for the coupe over the hatch is $16,600. You have to be besotted with the two-door’s looks to drop the extra money when the only major difference beyond the body shape is the coupe’s heated seats.
The M240i is still an enticing deal, given it is more than $20,000 cheaper than the full M vehicle.
Both variants benefit from a mid-life makeover of the 1 and 2 Series range. In the case of the top-spec versions, the updates include the latest infotainment software shown on an 8.8-inch capacitive touch screen (previous screens haven’t been touch-enabled), along with adaptive LED headlamps and upgraded interior trim. BMW is continuing to ask customers to fork out $650 for Apply Car Play, while Android Auto is not available.
Rear seat leg space is an issue in both the 1 and 2 Series, limiting the back pews to occasional adult use. They’re fine for kids, which is where BMW identifies the target audience, along with empty nesters who appreciate the compact size and expansive performance.
Prices are up an average of $2000 across the two model lines, with the cheapest cars being the three-cylinder engined 118i at $39,900 and the 220i at $52,900. Of course, you can always take the topless approach with the 2 Series convertible, which ranges from $59,900 for the 220i to $85,800 for the M240i.
An eight-speed automatic is the default transmission irrespective of which vehicle you want but buyers can specify the six-speed manual as a no-cost option. Packages for the cheaper variants are headlined by the “Driver Assist” bundle with adaptive cruise control, auto high-beam headlamps, semi-automated parking and anti-glare mirrors. The cost varies by version but tops out at $1800.
ON THE ROAD
Two days traversing some of Tasmania’s best bitumen reveals the M2 can’t perform much better than the M140i/M240i on public roads, at least not within legal-speed parameters.
Ultimately there’s a touch more grip and a touch better responsiveness firing out of a corner coutesy of the wider tyres, extra track on the rear wheels and the limited slip diff that’s a $5400 option on the M140/M240. You’d still be hard-pressed to justify the extra spend for your daily driver, unless you acknowledge you just want “the best” car, replete with the look-at-me massive front air intakes and rear bumper with its four-pipe extrusions.
To put it into context, the M140/M240 cars hit 100km/h in 4.6 seconds; the M2 does it in 4.3. Potential buyers will make their own decisions about how much 0.3 of a second is worth.
The speed-sign recognition is a highlight, identifying even temporary road signs affixed to guide posts.
The M140i in particular is a stealth weapon. The only indication that this isn’t mum’s shopping trolley comes from the blue brake callipers and discreet M badges on the flanks and rear. Find a flowing country road and this hatch changes direction like a matador and $59,900/ $76,800 7.1L/100km BMW M1/M2 3 years/ unlimited km. Servicing $1340 for 5 years None (runflats)
VERDICT
3.0-litre 6cylinder petrol turbo, 250kW/ 500Nm 360 litres390 litres
charges like a bull. Steering feel is about as good as it gets in a BMW these days and the chassis gives ample warning when you are approaching the limits. The updates are minor but the price cut for the BMW M140i is a major deal. For most of the people, most of the time, the performance hatch is going to be the smartest investment, if not the best-looking.