Few cars carry the burden of expectation more than the BMW M3 – and, by association – the two-door versions latterly rebadged M4. Porsche 911 definitely. Mazda MX-5 probably. Ford Mustang maybe. Icons ...

But the C250 itself looks anaemic when compared to rivals like the BMW 325i M-Sport Coupe, which is cheaper, more powerful and still comes with a six-cylinder soundtrack. Closer to home ...