ON THE whole, sedans in Australia seem to be on the nose – particularly in the medium and large segments, where buyers are flocking towards SUVs in droves.

However there is one corner of the market where sedans are still thriving, and that is the small car segment where buyers can find the small dimensions of a hatchback with the added practicality of a larger, sedan-style boot.

BMW is the latest brand to join the fray with its 2 Series Gran Coupe, essentially a four-door version of the new-generation 1 Series that launched late last year.

With competition coming from the likes of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan and Audi A3 sedan, does the 2 Series Gran Coupe have what it takes to carve out its own niche in the busy small car segment?