There's a button in the centre console of the otherwise austere fascia of the BMW 130i and it is emblazoned DTC.
It stands for Dynamic Traction Control and is just above the hazard light. Appropriate.
I'm sure it wasn't intentional but, unless you're schooled in the art of rear-wheel drive oversteer, it would be wiser to leave the DTC on and let the superb BMW electronics shut down the throttle.
A warning dash light will flash at you when the 130i's chopped-off rear wants to get ahead of its long nose because that's what happens.
That rear end, a BMW with a hatchback being a bit like a diesel Porsche, has caused aficionados of the blue-and-white propeller some concern. In short, they don't like it.
Mmmm... and the artistic pundits in my home thought the long nose and short rear was great.
My ambivalence was enhanced by the lack of show-some-respect finishes to the 130i. Not to say that this isn't "just" a 118i, other than the little chromed badge, twin tailpipes and 17" wheels with their respective 205/50 front, 225/45 rear rubber.
The latter, too, will only be noticed by someone who knows, those observant types who know and love cars.
Respect should be shown because this is a classic three-litre straight six driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
It'll knock spots off most cars on the road and, with circumspection in the roadholding department, run away from just about anything.
And in the case of my slightly specced 130i (park distance control was an extra) came with BMW's M Sport steering ratio - a quick two turns lock to lock, oh so precise and accurate and responsive. All the more reason to leave the traction control to the 130i and to not your undoubtedly slower and thus sillier reactions.
The 130i, though, is still pretty predictable in its handling, encouraging a push just a little bit further as it covered ground very quickly and understatedly.
I say that because, although there's a fabulous burble once you've pressed the start/stop button (with credit card-ish key) and the engine's sprung to life, justice is not done to the roar once the six is the upper rev range.
The exquisite six puts out 195kW at 6600rpm. Too muted, Munchen; perhaps M Sport has a more raucous version. The muscle side of the three-litre has 315Nm of torque from 2500rpm which means the straight six is flexible.
With a notchy six speeds available, you can stay on the money all the way through the active rev range.
Luxury abounds
Beware, though, that the refinement of sitting in luxury leather cut off from the madding traffic can confuse you and all too soon one of those chaps in blue could be forcing you to share a cell with someone you'd rather not.
Luxury abounds inside, including satellite steering-wheel controls, a comprehensive trip data computer and a BMW Business radio/CD out of the top drawer.
Figures show that the 130i will sprint to 100km/h in a shade over seven seconds and run to 245km/h. It stops well, too, though the big disc brakes do appreciate heat.
They also have ABS with electronic brake pressure distribution, brake assistance and stability control to manage it all.
If you're paying R278 500, as you will for the 130i, you might not be too concerned with how much fuel it likes. Drive it with gay abandon as I did and you're looking at 13.5 litres/100km, which is about two litres more than the official mix.
Confounding configuration
However, it seems that all - including the well-heeled and perhaps that's why they have tin - are getting a little ratty at the pumps.
Because of its confounding hatch configuration it's difficult to offer options. Audi has its bigger A4, with a boot, and you can have the 2.0T FSI with 147kW for about 10 grand less, the new Lexus IS250 with its 153kW for R275 000 or the outrageous and rough by comparison Chevy Lumina 5.7 V8 SS for R302 000.
The first two are not in this league, however, and the Lumina is unpretentiously unrefined in this company - and all have more room.
I don't say that unwittingly, either, because the 130i, like all 1 Series, is seriously compromised when it comes to rear passenger space, such is the nature of the hatch and the sloping roof.
All that pales, however, when it comes to the 130i's obvious appeal, the speak softly and carry a big stick persona epitomised here.
While nearly 300 grand is a lot of folding stuff, this is a lot of car. I just wish it wielded that big stick more in terms of its looks and trim, which just leave it as "a 1 Series".
PS: Perhaps the real competition lies in the likes of the Audi 3.2 V6 quattro, cousin VW Golf GTi, a turbo four, and serious V6 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA.
But apart from the GTi, price precludes real comparison.