IT MAY be called the M2 Pure, but the most affordable model to emerge from BMW’s M Division could have been tagged M2 CK – for ‘Comeback Kid’.

While the M3 and M4 have ascended into quasi-supercar and semi-luxury territory, and the M5 stretches the sports-luxury equation even further, this new baby brother is tasked to deliver the essence of M, distilled yet without the frippery. And therefore amplified.

The M2 Pure hints at this job in its title. This is simply meant to be a tough compact coupe with rear-wheel-drive, very strong performance and a sweet manual shifter. Going back to basics has rarely if ever looked this good.

Click here for the full review...