BMW 2002 Turbo review

There was a 2002 Lux, but the Turbo got a simple version of the simple interior. The wood panel around the instruments is painted red for kicks. The rest is purposeful. A well-bolstered sports seat keeps you contained, but it's clad in vinyl.

The main instruments are right in your sightline and, unlike in today's BMWs, a model of clarity. The boost gauge is post-hoc tacked to the dash rail. Its needle is in the white when the turbo's not charging. It gradually arrives at the small green sector, where it pauses, has a think, then goes into the red boost zone. It's a long way out of your eyeline and we recommend you watch the road while that last bit is happening.

Some of the switches are unmarked and the heater sliders are engraved in German. Still, with so few minor controls to earn, that's not an issue. Enjoy the zen-like absence of gadgetry in a cabin where the only software is the seat foam.

The mirrors are tiny, so look over your shoulder at junctions and be amazed at the clarity of vision. Same goes for manoeuvring: the rear spoiler lip does a great job doubling as park sensors. No need for electric windows as you can easily reach the passenger crank from the driver's side. The back seat is short folk only, and two only. The boot's not bad at all.