Nobody can say it's not a true M car, just because of the engine. People who say that are muppets who don't understand about chassis dynamics, suspension, balance, and poise. My M140i has a much more powerful engine (it's tuned), but it isn't a better M car than this M2, in fact it's not anywhere near being an M car. This M2 however, most certainly is.

The N55 M2 is a Wolf in Sheep’s clothing - when do you need more power on the road? - you don’t - have had mine from new for 4 years now and there isn’t another car I’d change it for - still puts a smile on my face every day! 😃👍

Man. MK2 Focus RS, that's not something I see very often (read: ever) as an American. I bet that 5-banger sounds awesome! As an M2 Comp owner, I'll point out that it's not the OPF filter that makes it sound worse than the N55 powered M2, its just the engine. We don't have OPF filters on our cars in the States and the S55 unfortunately just doesn't sound very good no matter what the application is. On the other end though, it's not just the extra 40 hp, its the revs. The S55 has a higher redline and the ability to make power further up in the rev range, which feels a bit more 'motorsport.' Either version of the M2 is awesome though and anyone who calls the original M2 "not a real M car" is crazy.

Forgot to mention that the n55 in the m2 is running s55 internals

I'm sorry i know you like your Ford's but there really is no comparison between those two cars. I've pretty much made my mind up that the m2 will be my next car, thanks for the review 👍

One of the best looking cars, ever.

Wow! really booting it up ,sounds lovely too

"Jesus!", exclaims Gary. Haha. You seemed to enjoy the drive. Though it may 'only' have the N55 rather than S55 engine, the M2 is still quite capable of hurtling you down a public road at quite a serious pace. The N55 sounds fabulous, so much so that I'm looking forward to again fitting a 'louder' aftermarket exhaust to another car.

I think the M division from BMW knows exactly how to make an M car.

one of my favourite cars 🔥

I've had a few M series and currently have one of these. I can definitely say this is the most fun

Not to be tried in the wet. Great vlog.

Sounds epic Gary. Looked a lot of fun too 👍

The gear change is is a bit harsh and does unsettle the chassis, it takes a while to get used too, choosing a gear before the bend works, it is what you would do in a manual.

Great video. I am always listing after an M2. Got a 140i atm very well specced etc and remapped. I came from a mk2 St and I miss the noise! M2 og has the noise, but now I have spoiled myself with the b58 :( and 5 door practically!

Lovely car and a great review

Brilliant vid Gary the m2 looks so good and good value aswell now be a good second car 1 day 😀👍

M cars are real weapons but when it comes to servicing. Pads discs etc the is a lot greater 👍👍

I've got 2 years finance left to pay on my mk2 focus rs. I'm keeping the rs forever, but it'll be tucked away for Nice day drives and I'll be buying a m2 comp. In black. My perfect 2 car garage 😍 👌

One look at my picture and you’ll know I’m biased but the M2 is one of the greats, so much presence. However you could easily say the same about your Focus RS. The 5 pot car is a modern classic already and I bet it will hold value better than the N55 M2 can as the comp made it look somewhat inferior (I know it’s not guys don’t worry) and there is an incoming generation on top of that. If you buy what truly speaks to you each time you’re fortunate enough to get a new car you’ll always be happy. I couldn’t stretch to an M2 so I got a manual M240i and put a diff in it, does the job for me.

N55 has a great exhaust note for a turbo car

It's an awesome car and on par with the RS for sure, but not a replacement 👍

Fair point wrt getting this as a better value for money than the m2 competition at current SH market prices. I would still get the manual. You get used to that fast enough to be able to focus on the road fully when driving spirited. How does it compare to the Mk3 RS though?

Great vid. Was being properly hooned too, that’s what we like to see...

I would love one of these, preferably the competition model.

The M2 is a good looking motor, with BMW though you need a sizeable bank account or a good job as they're expensive beasts to keep on the road, I know through 1st hand experience! On another note what would a Mk2 Focus RS500 be worth now, a neighbour had one & wrote it off a couple of years ago!

God I really want one of these at some point, but I also want an E92 M3 because V8! Decisions!!

M2 is stunning

Do you wish you bought one now?

M2c would cost me thousands a year just in roadtax where i live, My og M2 costs about the same as my m135i did.

Great car, if only the price was entry level.. this car really isn’t much cheaper than an M3/M4

should have let him drive yours.. and that comment when mines paid off ,, you meant to then enjoy your car more as its fully yours not run out and buy something else,

M135i and M2 are real M cars but is the MK2 RS a real RS being FWD ? :D just jesting

Watch out for the wildlife

Sounds like a 1993 ford transit with a missfire.

M2 every day, over a Ford focus, I own an m2 and destroy ford rs every time I see one, go m power goooooooooooo

Too much talking therefore I shut her down at 7 minutes.