For enthusiasts, the presence of BMW M cars is like what women with snake-like bodies are to an old fart. You stare at it and fantasise longer than you can possibly imagine and feel the flow of energy running through your very veins as the car (or women for the old farts) snarls its way past you. Known for the modified engines, transmissions, suspensions, interior trims, aerodynamics, and exterior modifications to set them apart from their casual counterparts, these M-badged cars has the ability to form butterflies in a grown man's stomach and have him mistake his knees for jellies.

And the latest member of the M family stable is no exception.

Chosen to be the next one to have the M badged etched on its body is currently the smallest but no less boyish BMW 1-Series. Unlike its elder siblings such as the M3 and M5, the 1-Series isn't dubbed the M1 because the last thing BMW wanted was to imply that the latest M car had some kind of power and exotic iteration of the successful M1 sports car which was created in 1978 by the Bavarian marque. Instead, the car was given the longer name - 1-Series M Coupe.

Still, as troublesome as it is to have the name spelt or read, it won't surprise the critics if the 1-Series M Coupe spawns a prodigious consequence in time to come.

Exterior

Given its menacing yet attractive bulldog stance, the 1-Series M Coupe shouts Bavarian tuned sports car from bumper to bumper, allowing even the casual observer to spot the car on the road without any difficulty.

Although there are some resemblances to the 1-Series saloon, we reckon the most obvious intervention from M GmbH is the purposeful swollen wheel arches to accommodate the wider front and rear track and the 19-inch wheels. Having an eye towards function more than aesthetics, the oversized monster vents upfront provides superior air flow for both the engine as well as the brakes. Needless to say, the visual musculature draws your eyes towards it as it complements the entire M package.

Round the back, the entire sporty package is completed with the quad exhausts protruding from the diffuser of the compact sedan. You simply cannot help but be impressed when you lay your eyes on any angles of the newest M member. With its lean and muscular outlook, it almost resembles a welterweight boxing champion.

Interior

The simplicity of the cabin with quality finishes also make sitting behind the wheel of the 1M a comfortable set-up. Black leather and Alcantara swarm the interior with red stitching and some nice touches of blue on the steering wheel that match the stickers on its body shell. It's typically BMW too, with supportive bucket electric seats that will hold the drivers in place when driving enthusiastically.

However, given that the compact 1M is a true blue four-seater sports car, the pair of back benches is a tad tight with little legroom and may not appeal to the space-over-performance target segment. More so when they find out that this manic-looking rear-wheel-drive champ is handled by a manual stick shifter. That said, M fans will be going bonkers and fighting for the 1-Series M Coupe when they lay their eyes on these features.

Although the interior of the car may seem a little old school, thanks to its back-to-basics set-up, it features BMW's signature iDrive system that takes centre stage. It's exactly the kind of car that will appeal to owners looking for something smack right in between nondescript and distinctive.

Known for its tail happy behaviour and 'tight' performance both on and off track, the $283,000 coupe certainly surprised us with its generous boot space that can easily swallow your weekly grocery bags. It simply justifies M GmbH's spiritual nourishment to its faithful devotees that it's not just a car that packs performance and handling but also boot space and comfort for your everyday use.

The Drive

The sweaty session with the 1M over the week was as good as scoring a date with your favourite Hollywood sexy starlet. Based on the M3's chassis and suspension, the 3.0-litre in-line six engine, which is also an elevated version of the 135i, lets out a gentle deep-throated resonance the moment you start the engine.

It's this moment when you'll start thinking if all the other reviews about the 1M is true. You slot the lever into the first gear, pull out of the lot, and before you know it, you're in the fourth gear and already way past the speed limit.

Fans of M will be pleased with the way this unit behaves. The meaty clutch and lively stick shifter are so thoroughly malleable that they feel so connected to the driver. And with 340bhp and 500Nm of torque ready to unleash from the twin turbo, the car will easily pick up below 1,500rpm even when you're already in fifth. It's always ready to sprint off the line in any gear and from any speed, accompanied by a classy-wailing exhaust note that can make your passengers cling on to dear life. Press the 'M' button and it puts the car into a sportier setting, which may just be too hyperactive for some.

This all happens within the short span of a couple of hours. Then you'll realise that the more time you spend with the car, the more it isn't about the blinding quickness. Instead, it's about how zippy and agile it can be, especially around tight spaces and corners. The fact that the car feels planted around long and winding roads makes for an addictive drive and instils drivers with the confidence to push even harder with true authority.

Although the 1M doesn't possess the kind of monstrosity we've experienced in the larger M3, it behaves how every proper M car should. Besides making its presence felt with its sense of urgency, it's always in step with every little input from the steering and the throttle.

Conclusion

Our experience with the 1-Series M Coupe certainly strengthens the fact that it's a pure bred M car that has a character of its own. It's taut and mischievous looks and melodious sounding TwinPower Turbo engine is a package that's too attractive to resist.

I guess brilliance can be attained in a small package.

What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.