2018 BMW M2 vs 2017

What's the difference?

If the light that burns twice as bright burns half as long, the BMW M2 and M2 Pure were like a pair of atomic-powered sulphur flares when they exploded onto the Australian performance scene in 2016.

Because just two short years after they launched, the BMW’s entry-level M cars are already no more, their engines falling victim to ever-tightening Euro regulations.

But worry not, M fans, because a replacement is on its way. Meet the M2 Competition; the fastest, hardest, most track-focused M2 to date, compliments of its new engine, bigger brakes and more slippery aerodynamics.

If one is good, two must be better, right? Or twice as good. The question is whether that simple equation adds up for BMW's upgraded 1 and 2 Series siblings – the former, a range of five-door hatches, the latter, a line-up of cabriolets and coupes, with a major addition in the shape of the full-house, performance-focused M2.

Prices are up, and changes are mostly under the skin, so you're not getting  big visual bang for your extra bucks. But the new and improved 2 has plenty to offer when it comes to added spec and tech.

BMW invited us to the new car's Australian launch program along Tasmania's wet and wild west coast.