BMW is once again exploring a segment new to the brand, the MPV market, with the 2 Series Active Tourer. It’s set to debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
We first saw glimpses of the Munich-based manufacturer’s front-wheel-drive future during the second half of 2012, when it unveiled the Concept Active Tourer at the Paris Motor Show. And, despite featuring a layout that some conservative BMW enthusiasts might frown upon, the 2 Series Active Tourer is still unmistakably a BMW with a prominent kidney grille, powerful-looking headlamps, Hoffmeister kink and a rear-end that’s very much a mix of the current BMW offerings.
Viewed in profile, things start taking a turn for the unfamiliar; the 2 Series wouldn’t be out of place next to the likes of Opel’s Meriva or Renault’s Scenic, with a tall profile, at 1 555 mm high, and a not-so-long 4 342 mm length and 1 800 mm width. The nose is short and steeply raked and, in terms of dimensions, the 2 Series Active Tourer is very similar to the Mercedes-Benz B-Class.
Inside, the 2 Series Active Tourer boasts the usual driver-focused facia and seating positions that are more upright than its other products to free up the kind of room usually associated with this segment. Speaking of room, the luggage capacity is 468 litres with the rear seats upright – which can be increased to 1 510 litres when the 40:20:40 split rear bench is folded.
If the looks of the Sport or Luxury Line-equipped models, which use gloss-black trim, sports seats, contrasting stitching and chrome grille, leather steering wheel and chrome trim, are too tame, customers can always opt for the M-Sport package that comes with a bodykit, gloss black grille, lowered suspension, M leather steering wheel, unique seat upholstery and package-specific alloys.
At the moment, the 2 Series Active Tourer can be had with three engines. The entry-level 218i is powered by a turbocharged 1,5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine (shared with the new Mini Cooper) that produces 100 kW and 220 N.m of torque (230 N.m on overboost) and returns an average of 4,9 litres/100 km with a CO2 emissions rating of just 115 g/km. There’s also the 225i, with a turbocharged 170 kW/350 N.m 2,0-litre, and the 218d – a 2,0-litre turbodiesel that makes 110 kW and 330 N.m of torque. Later on, the company will also introduce the 216d, 220d and 220i, as well as the xDrive four-wheel-drive system to the range.
