BMW Compact takes its proper place in the family

Time was the BMW Compact was the runt of the litter. Old technology and hand-me-down underpinnings from earlier big brothers. A shape that looked like a rejected first thought on an envelope. In fact, to many, this loss leader for the BMW brand totally let the whole name down.

As a way to make BMWs more accessible to the masses, it might well have turned a good number of buyers off the badge altogether if it was their first experience of owning one.

No longer. When they delivered a gold version of the latest Compact for me to try, I was immediately taken by it. Even if the interior, in a fairly racy material and trim combination of black and yellow, might not be the first thing I’d want the morning after a heavy night on the town.

First, the visual improvement - the old shortbutt that reminded of an Allegro hatchback is no more. There are proper curves, and a more than coupe look. At the front end, what we now know to have been precursor details to the recent upgrading of the 3-Series proper provides a more definite image, and the whole sculpt of the fender/wheelarch adds a nice muscular look to the overall car, as do the outcurves on the rear wheelarches.

Inside, the driver’s area is definitely for the driver, an impression visually reinforced by the dashboard ‘awaycurve’ on the passenger’s side and the wide centre console between the two seats holding the gearshift and a pair of switches. there’s a fairly deep distance to the scuttle line, but BMW didn’t succumb to the temptation of adding a recess or two for papers or pens that might distract from the driving.

The instrument cluster itself is traditional 4-dial, very clear, and without any visual interference by the wheel rim. That wheel is a good feel, nicely adjustable, and with the range of seat movement available there’s little problem with anyone finding a decent driving position.

A small point of praise: the left footrest is large, wide, and at just the right angle. So many designers just don’t get this right, and in the stop-go driving conditions of today’s Ireland, it is very necessary that any opportunity to properly rest that clutch foot can be properly availed of.

The engine when started and poked is pleasantly noisy, in a nice engineering kind of way. Something like the ‘song’ of the Alfa, for instance. If we’re talking performance image, it needs to be heard in some non-raucous way. The 1.8-litre is a 115bhp unit, and pretty frugal with the fuel up to around 41mpg because of the BMW patented Valvetronic engine breathing system (using different valve ‘lift’ characteristics depending on load demand).

A morning in the Wicklow Mountains putting the Compact through its paces showed a quantum improvement in handling, ride, and general composure. As most of the time we drive FWD cars, the feel and characteristics of - not to mention the fun factor - of BMW’s traditional RWD takes a little time for reacquaintance but then rewards. It is clear that the makers didn’t want ever again to be labelled as ‘cheapskate’ for even its lowliest offerings.

The combination of tight steering, ‘point and poke’ cornering capability, and a morning as sunny as was the exterior paintwork of the review car reminded of the almost-lost belief that motoring, despite those who would have it made as anti-social as is perceived smoking, can be, and should be, fun still.

And at around £24,000 for the ‘basic’ Compact, it’s not OTT in the price ladder. It is so good that I suspect it may even cannibalise some potential sales from its full brothers, because, now, BMW Compact equates with sporty as well as just a badge leading less than best.