You'd think the BMW 228i Gran Coupe would simply be a four-door version of the 228i Coupe, but it isn't. While the Coupe is built on a rear-wheel drive platform, the Gran Coupe rides on a front-wheel drive platform shared with a number of Mini models, along with the X1 and X2 SUVs. Still I found it to be a competent, sporty subcompact luxury sedan; quick but not fast, and with a decent interior worthy of the BMW badge. Its competitors are the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class and CLA twins. Would I buy it? Probably not; there are far better values, not to mention more practical options, at this price point, but it's the right car for someone, provided you're willing to spend around $45,000 (my tester here stickered at $48k) on a vehicle that is neither practical nor particularly sporty.

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