The M2’s cabin is exactly the same layout as the regular 2-Series, but with BMW’s Professional Media package installed as standard. This nets you a suite of high-tech multimedia features including:

• 6.5-inch monitor

• iDrive rotary selector

• Sat-nav

• Real-time traffic information

• DAB radio

• USB and aux-in connections

BMW does media systems very well indeed. The iDrive controller has been refined into a simple and ergonomically intuitive way to scroll through menus, and the system’s processing power is such that everything appears to load instantly.

We found the layout of the dash traditional but clear and useful – the speedo and rev-counter are large and easy to read. We found the relatively large analogue fuel gauge useful too. With such a small fuel tank (measuring just 52 litres), you do need to keep an eye on this.

The materials employed in the cabin are predominantly black and soft to touch, with contrasting blue stitching on the seats, steering wheel and around the handbrake gaiter. There are numerous false carbon fibre panels – such as the grab handles on the doors and above the glovebox – that help the M2 feel like a sporty proposition.

The driving position itself is excellent. You’re perched low in the cabin with good adjustment of both seat and steering wheel. The pedals are spaced well for keen drivers, the handbrake tucked neatly into the central transmission tunnel so it doesn’t use up valuable space and the Drive Performance Control switch is conveniently positioned next to the gearlever.

The BMW M2 is an unashamed performance car, so comfort isn’t particularly high on the list of priorities. The ride is firm and there’s no adaptive damping for a softer setting, but in fairness the way the suspension deals with bumps in the road is still mightily impressive. Its composure is remarkable, so while you’re constantly reminded of the sporting nature of its design, it’s not what you’d call uncomfortable.

We found the automatic gearbox far better to drive if comfort is a concern – its gearing is more suited to cruising on the motorway so the engine doesn’t drone as much as it does in the manual car.

As part of the conversion from 2 Series to M2, BMW’s engineers removed significant quantities of sound-deadening material and as a result, road and engine noise in particular are conspicuous.

The seats are great, however, keeping the driver and front passenger nicely hemmed in while you’re throwing it around your favourite B-road.