BMW 130i M Sport

The sight of all that lush green run-off to fall into should I get it wrong meant that I could finally try the 130 without any electronic nannying. The multi-level traction control is ideal for the road - one press of the DTC button loosens the brain's grip enough to allow a little fun - but hold that same button for a few seconds and you're on your own, the big warning light between the rev counter and speedo reminding you to keep on your toes. Once up and running, the 130 showed great balance in the faster turns, allowing me to tip the car in with lift-off oversteer and then hold that angle right through the corner, the responsive, rev-hungry straight-six helping all the way. The baby Bimmer's overly stiff set-up can irritate on the road, but it suited Bedford's silky-smooth tarmac perfectly. In fact, the 130 entertained on the track much more than I'd expected. Good balance, strong brakes and a great engine all added up to a willing track toy. Only the lack of a slippy diff gave cause for disappointment, a heavy right foot often being punished with a spinning inside-rear wheel. It's not a problem when you can set the car up with speed, but in slower corners it can feel like you're seriously abusing the poor thing. Yet despite being pushed to the limit for lap after lap, the 130 didn't miss a beat or buckle under the pressure - and the drive home was as refined as you could possibly wish for. All very impressive.

Running Costs