OLD SCHOOL
autoX|June 2023
An M-car with (stupendous power and) a manual gearbox - old-school enough for you?
DHRUV BEHL
OLD SCHOOL

The revs build to a crescendo. The exhaust note makes the hair on the back of your neck stand on end. As you heel-and-toe, while braking for a roundabout, you’re fully immersed in the act of driving. The whole car feels alive – it’s buzzing – and you’re an integral part of the experience.

No, I’m not talking about the brand new M2, but a BMW from three decades ago. A standard four-door 325i. Six cylinders, manual gearbox – everything you need, and nothing you don’t.

The fact that the car in question has my name on it betrays the fact that I’m an out-and-out BMW fanboy. Add to that the fact that the previous generation M2 is one of the most engaging machines I’ve ever driven, and you get the sense that this is likely to be quite an entertaining comparison.

 But let’s start with some issues. You see, before the previous generation M2 was launched in India towards the end of 2018, I drove a 6-speed manual version of the car in Spain – and absolutely loved it! But when BMW brought the car to India, it was only offered with a 7-speed DCT. Now there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that gearbox. In fact, for all practical purposes, it’s superior in every way. But here was a BMW built for the sole purpose of being as entertaining as possible, and, in my book, that equates to making the driver use all his or her limbs and faculties to row the gears and, at the same time, play footsie with a trio of pedals.

LAST OF THE LINE

Now I'm not sure if BMW heard me whine, but here it is - an M2 with a 6-speed manual! And, what's more, this is likely to be the last M-car without electrification of some kind, and, therefore, also the last M-division machine with a manual gearbox. So, your last chance to own a piece of history. No pressure...

この記事は autoX の June 2023 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は autoX の June 2023 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

AUTOXのその他の記事すべて表示
GOOD OLD DAYS...
autoX

GOOD OLD DAYS...

Is the old Marc Marquez finally back? The race in Jerez surely gave flashes of it...

time-read
2 分  |
May 2024
Prancing Off-Road
autoX

Prancing Off-Road

The SUV trend has even caught on with Ferrari, which is evident with the introduction of the Purosangue. However, does a Ferrari of this type really make sense?

time-read
5 分  |
May 2024
Ahead of the Curve
autoX

Ahead of the Curve

There's not one but two new GT variants available with the Volkswagen Taigun now, meaning there's one for everyone!

time-read
3 分  |
May 2024
SPACE WARS
autoX

SPACE WARS

There are plenty of budget-friendly seven-seat MPVs on the market, but what if you desire ample space without compromising on style?

time-read
5 分  |
May 2024
GOING BIG
autoX

GOING BIG

The 3XO makes big promises on all fronts - from features and safety to styling and value proposition. But does it deliver on these promises?

time-read
4 分  |
May 2024
HAMMER TIME
autoX

HAMMER TIME

The new Gurkha 5-door comes with updated styling, improved performance, and better features. So, do these changes make it the practical 'proper' off-roader we've all been waiting for?

time-read
5 分  |
May 2024
MOUNTAIN GOAT
autoX

MOUNTAIN GOAT

With a mid-life facelift, the Jeep Wrangler has received several noteworthy upgrades. But does it truly live up to the reputation of being unstoppable

time-read
3 分  |
May 2024
SUPERSPORT TRILOGY
autoX

SUPERSPORT TRILOGY

We embark on a 300km journey on three of the finest supersport twins in the world. Which one would reign supreme at the end?

time-read
10+ 分  |
May 2024
SECOND WIND
autoX

SECOND WIND

Bajaj is once again stirring the pot with the updated Pulsar N250. But has it nailed the recipe this time around?

time-read
3 分  |
May 2024
PASSION & Precision
autoX

PASSION & Precision

A brand new V12 supercar! In this era of downsizing & electrification, that's about as rare as seeing a total eclipse and the Northern Lights on the same day. But if the V12 remains the heart & soul of the automobile, well, then, Ferrari is its saviour.

time-read
7 分  |
May 2024