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2015 BMW M235i: Compact fun machine (pictures)

Although the smallest car in its lineup, BMW packs the M235i with a 326-horsepower engine and adaptive chassis, giving it excellent power and handling.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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BMW offers the 2-series coupe, its smallest car, as the 228i and the M235i in the US. More variations, including diesels, are on offer in the UK and Australia.

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The M235i takes the place of the 235i as one of BMW's M Performance vehicles, a performance equipment package that does not rate as highly as BMW's full-fledged M cars.

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The M235i shows a black grille and large air intakes up front as part of its styling.

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The M235i makes use of BMW's three-liter inline six-cylinder engine, featuring a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and variable valve timing.

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In BMW's current nomenclature, all even-numbered models have two doors, unless they are Gran Coupe models.

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The M235i comes standard with an adaptive suspension and variable steering, equipment only available as options on many other BMW models.

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Hard-core performance enthusiasts can choose to delete the moonroof at no charge.

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The M235i offers exceptional handling, very rewarding to the enthusiast driver.

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A wide-opening trunk lid makes for easy cargo access.

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Door sills shows BMW's M colors.

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The M235i rates as a premium car, with a refined cabin justifying its price.

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Back-seat room is limited, and there is no place for a third passenger in the middle.

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This car is shown completely stock, with no cabin or performance upgrades.

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Standard variable steering requires less wheel input when driving hard.

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The plain instrument cluster retains analog gauges, and shows the four driving modes.

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An eight-speed automatic transmission is available, but the six-speed manual is much more satisfying.

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Sport Plus modes stiffens the suspension, makes the throttle more responsive, and activates Dynamic Traction Control.

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Eco Pro mode includes many fuel-saving features, along with a comfort mode for the suspension.

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The basic iDrive controller lacks a navigation button, focusing on audio and hands-free phone as its main features.

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The main menu screen shows a high-level view of all vehicle features and settings.

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The hands-free phone system lets you place calls using voice command by saying a contact's name.

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Audio sources include HD radio, a USB port and Bluetooth audio streaming.

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The music library interface for devices plugged into the USB port isn't very good, requiring too many button presses to find songs and begin playback.

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The playback screen shows album art, when available.

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This interface screen for a Bluetooth-paired iPhone is much easier to use then BMW's other music library screen.

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