BMW M440i Gran Coupe

By Bill McCarthy

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When it comes to producing compact performance coupes, BMW has few peers. Stylish, desirable, pricey and offering, blistering performance together will all-wheel drive technology, there’s a huge amount to like, although this model will set you back north of £53k.

It’s not perfect, no car is, but it comes close. It gives a whole new dimension to the phrase ‘hot hatch.’, with its four-doors, hatchback and brutal pace.

The BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupé, has a rather grand sounding name and no, doesn’t refer to shoehorning your gran into the car.

There are small things I am not keen on, like the flush door handles that can be fiddly in the rain and  I am unsure about the larger kidney grille. Actually though, I think I like it.

But it is a striking looking motor, with predatory stance, sweeping profile with short overhangs, cat’s eye type light cluster and that black honeycomb grille flanked just below by huge air scoops finished, like the grille, in high-gloss black.

An M-specific spoiler on the boot lid rounds off the distinctive appearance, as does the performance brake callipers painted in blue and the striking alloys.

BMW describes the interior as a driver-centric cockpit, the dash layout is familiar with the central touchscreen, while a sport leather steering wheel also controls various functions.

The classy leather interior is finished with neat blue stitching, while soft touch finish abound throughout the car offset with contrasting metal inserts.

There are five seats with three full sized to the rear which, despite the compact look of the car, offer decent legroom and reasonable headroom.

Controls are logical and intuitive with the familiar iDrive operating system linked with a central screen and 12.3-inch high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.

The central screen controls, infotainment, navigation and connectivity for smartphones, with built-in SIM card with 4G LTE connectivity and BMW’s  Connected Package Professional enabling remote digital information services.

It is pretty practical, being a hatchback, with 470 litres of boot space up 39 litres on the previous model, which can be expanded to a maximum of 1,290 litres while the hatchback features an automatic opening and closing mechanism.

There are various petrol and diesel models available, but the M version is all about performance and it doesn’t disappoint.

Powered by a three-litre, six cylinder turbo-charged engine it delivers blistering pace, hitting 60 mph in under five seconds, while the eight-speed automatic transmission slips seamlessly through the gears.

A mild hybrid system boosts electrics and adds to the engine power when required.

It is a thrilling experience to give it the full beans and all the while the adaptive M suspension works in the background together with the four wheel-drive to deliver maximum stability and a satisfying driving experience.

The driver can also select various drove modes from COMFORT, ideal for motorway cruising through to the most driver-orientated SPORT mode.

 Here you get the full roar and the spitting and crackling from the exhaust as everything sharpens up and you can give the car its head on the open road as it powers through bendy, twisting roads with ease. All within the law of course.

As you would expect, this model features a comprehensive list of safety kit, with full complement of airbags, traction, steering aids as well as cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking and speed limit information.

FACTFILE

BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe

 Price: £53,980

Mechanical: 374PS, 2199cc, six-cylinder, petrol engine driving all wheels via 8-speed automatic transmission

Max Speed: 155mph

0-62mph: 4.7 seconds

Combined MPG: 35.3

Insurance Group: 40

C02 emissions: 184g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

SEAT Ibiza FR

By Bill McCarthy

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THE Ibiza has been one of the many success stories for SEAT. It more than holds its own in the hugely competitive supermini segment that includes such names as Fiesta, Corsa, its own Polo stablemate and the Korean newcomers.

SEAT has always been proud of its sporty tradition with sharp, dynamic design and handling across the range and its appeal to younger drivers.

There are a number of reasons for it being a  favourite among first-timers, including excellent economy, low insurance and low taxation, plus dynamic handling and comprehensive safety features.

So there is little reason to change it, but tweaks and technology upgrades are always necessary to keep pace with the market and that’s why it has just undergone a mid-life makeover.

There are no dramatic changes and the outside features new front and rear light clusters and the badging has been re-designed to appear as handwritten in a two-tone body. In addition there are new alloy wheel designs plus LED headlights and daytime running lights.

There are six trim versions including the FR driven here. It does look good. Sporty and chic with sharp angles and creases, with FR rear bumpers, twin exhaust outlets, tinted rear glass and very smart 17-inch alloy wheels and heated door mirrors.

Inside, controls are dominated by a new 9.2-inch, on this model, display with sharper graphics that controls full smartphone integration, navigation and infotainment.

Additionally, SEAT Connect allows you, among other things, to lock and unlock your vehicle, check on the status of lighting, doors and ventilation, use Parking Position to reveal the location of your car and get alerts if a possible theft attempt is detected.

The FR logo features repeatedly throughout, while the interior has a sturdy, well laid-out feel, with some classy soft-touch trim, chrome detailing, leather flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching, illuminated red air vents and comfortable, figure-hugging front seats and classy ambient lighting.

Supermini it may be, but space has been maximised with a surprising amount of legroom for all occupants and four adults are accommodated in reasonable comfort and there is excellent stowage space.

Other features in this model include dual-zone climate control auto-dimming rear view mirror, and rain-sensing wipers.

Powered by an efficient one litre, three-cylinder engine with sports suspension, it is an engaging drive. While official figures suggest acceleration is modest, hitting 60mph in 10.9 seconds, it feels quicker, due to the throaty rasp of the three-pot engine under acceleration.

Mated with a slick five-speed manual gearbox it pushes the car to a top speed of 116mph where permitted. Economy is excellent with around 50mpg on average according to the latest WLTP figures.

Handling is one of the best features with the tuned sports suspension delivering a firm ride, but with excellent grip and sharp steering. It’s a proper fun car.

In practical terms, it is one of the roomiest in its class, with more than adequate boot space of 335 litres, which can be expanded up to a maximum of  1,165  litres and accessed via a low loading lip.

Safety kit is also comprehensive, with an array of airbags, ISOFIX child protect, cruise control, lane departure warning, speed limiter, ABS, stability control, emergency brake assist, hill hold and tyre pressure monitoring.

 Prices start at just over £17k, with this model retailing at a shade over 19.5k. It’s quite a package for the money and remains one of the best handling and best looking superminis around.

Factfile

SEAT Ibiza 1.0 FR

Price: £19,580

Mechanical: 95PS, 999cc, 3-cylinder, petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox

Max Speed: 116mph

0-62mph: 10.9 seconds

Combined MPG: 48-51 

Insurance Group: 11E

C02 emissions: 124g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles