Well spotted, Genlocks – that explains why the performance figures appear not to have changed. Don’t worry about missing out on Boy-Racer noises, Ronster. They’ve been removed from the exhaust but BMW have put them back in from a sound generator playing through the stereo. It works on Mid and Sport settings and not on Eco. Haven’t been able to it do pop-and-bang on the overrun but there’s plenty of vroomy noises. Fun to begin with but then just bloody annoying: can’t turn ’em off!
Same with the new Peugeot 208 and 2008. Put it into sport mode & a fake throaty ‘roar’ comes through the speakers. I rather like it!
As regards ‘real’ exhaust ‘pop & bang’ noises; EU Regulation No 540/2014 has put paid to those.