DRIVEN: What Does Tiff Needell Think Of The 2011 BMW 1M?

Let's face it. If you want an entertaining review, you look to Top Gear but if you want the real deal, you look towards Fifth Gear.

Although it is not as well known globally as Top Gear, Fifth Gear has several presenters with some serious credentials AND they provide factual impressions that don't turn into a comedy skit. So when we heard Tiff took the 2011 BMW 1M for a ride, we knew we had to see what he thought.

Considering his former racing experience and bevy of high-performance reviews, we weight his opinion heavier than others.

**Watch Tiff Needell give the 2011 BMW 1M a shakedown to remember


Tiff Needell, one of the more respected TV automotive reviewers tests the 1M coupe in the hills of the Scottish countryside. How did the 1M perform according to Tiff?

Tiff seems ultra pleased with the 1M's "great feel, the chassis, the revs of this lovely engine, the throttle response." He points out some lag at 1500 RPM in 6th gear, but calls the acceleration at 4000 RPM in 3rd gear virtually instantaneous. As for handling, the 1M has great turn in and even with traction control off, it powers out of turns with the back end firmly planted...