Rivals worth considering
The BMW M1235i, from £29,995
At this price the bigger and more practical, rear-wheel drive BMW M135i might be worth considering. There’s a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine pushing out 316bhp from under its understated bonnet. It can accelerate from zero to 62mph in just 4.8 seconds and is a far better everyday driver than past models. And it becomes a complete belter when you’re in the mood for it.
Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo, from £18,000
The forthcoming Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo has a completely new 1.6-litre turbocharged engine coupled with an EDC dual clutch six-speed transmission and steering column-mounted paddle gear changes. At first glance it’s a docile daily driver, but put it in “race” mode and it becomes a very different beast, changing the engine, gearbox, ESC, steering feel and throttle response. Gear changes can be made in just 150 milliseconds.
Vauxhall VXR Nüburgring, from £22,295
A car named after the world’s most famous test circuit better be good. Vauxhall’s VXR Nürburgring model is that and more. Its 202bhp 1.6 litre turbocharged engine can push the car from 0-60mph in just 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 143mph. Developed on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, it handles corners very well thanks to its Bilstein-developed chassis and performance Brembo disc brakes.