Since it came out, the BMW M2 has been widely regarded as one of the best M cars in recent years, with a smaller bodyshell, great pumped-up looks and typically brilliant handling by M-GmbH. It was made even better when the M2 Competition came out, giving more power and handling tweaks to keep it at the top of its game. But time moves on and the 2-Series is nearing the end of its life, so BMW is doing what it always does and has saved the best for last with this new model – the M2 CS.

Yes it’s more expensive, but you can really see where that money has gone – to start with the engine is now the same power as the M4 – an impressive 444bhp and 550Nm in such a small car and of course it still goes to the rear wheels only via a 6-spd manual or optional dual clutch gearbox. There’s a lot of weight saving around the car too, with a carbon fibre bonnet and roof, lightweight 19-inch forged wheels and a new carbon fibre centre console inside.

If you spec the optional carbon ceramic brakes they drop the unsprung mass a fair bit too aiding the handling even more. That weight loss added to the new power levels means performance is impressive - 0-62mph takes just 4.2 seconds (or 4.0 dead if you spec the dual clutch 'box) and it'll top out at 174mph. Looks-wise the already aggressive Competition gets a whole raft of upgrades to make it the best looking M2 yet.

There’s a carbon fibre splitter at the front and a lip spoiler at the rear, while the carbon bonnet has a deep vent at the front as in the M4 CS and really looks aggressive. With the forged wheels it all comes together to make a seriously aggressive and purposeful looking M2.