Try not to nod off, there's a very serious issue that needs addressing here: build quality. When we road test a new car, we can tell you what it's like to drive, if you can fit a flat-packed potting shed in the boot, etc. We can also tell you if it appears to be well made, but in truth the proof only comes from running a car over a lengthy period. Well we've had our body-kitted, straight-six-engined compact BMW, er, Compact for seven months now and whilst it has a high list price and a Space Hopper ride around town, it's arguably turned out to be the highest quality car on our fleet. It certainly looks finely crafted throughout, from the softness of the leather to the sturdiness of the plastics. It's also remained reassuringly problem free, despite hard, constant use. In fact only one unwelcome rattle has intruded over the melodious sounds produced by the slick, revvy 2.5-litre, 192bhp powerplant. When the Compact went in for its first service at 13,000 miles, the mechanic pointed out that this was merely caused by a socket from the toolkit having worked its way loose and started rolling around the spare wheel well.


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