It may be the smallest BMW, but the 1-Series Coupe has all the safety features found on other models. Head airbags protect all occupants and side airbag protection is built into the seats. Bumpers return to their original shape after impacts of up to 2.5mph and the ABS system is backed by dynamic stability gadgetry overseeing cornering, braking, traction and brake force distribution control.

There’s also a puncture warning system fitted to the run-flat tyres.

You wouldn’t expect a sports coupe to be practical, but being longer than the three and five-door versions of the 1-Series means boot capacity has grown from 330 litres to 370 litres. In addition, fitting a 60/40 split folding rear seat as standard makes the most of available load space. With a near-flat floor, the sporty model is more flexible than most and able to cope with longer items in place of one or both rear seat occupants – as long as they can fit under the fixed rear shelf.