Cape Town – Talk about big shoes to fill. The BMW 1 Series Convertible was the best-selling premium-compact drop-top globally, retailing in excess of 130 000 units since its launch in 2007 up until its demise last year. BMW is bullish the 2 Series Convertible can repeat this success, and after driving the entry-level 220i version on the local launch, I’ve no doubt the new model will be able to achieve this feat.
And new it is. From the engine range to the transmissions, chassis, suspension and cabin, nothing has been left untouched. And that’s a very good thing. At the end of its lifecycle, the 1 Series felt old. The cabin was creaky and cheaply finished, while the lower engines struggled to propel the mass due to a lack of forced induction. The 2 Series addresses these issues successfully; so much so that it presents formidable competition to the Audi A3 Cabriolet.
ENGINES & TRANSMISSIONS
Three engine options will be offered (no diesels, like in Europe): a 2,0-litre turbopetrol in two states of tune – 135 kW/270 N.m for this 220i and 180 kW/350 N.m on the 228i (R529 001) – and 240 kW/450 N.m for the M235i (R651 605). The four-cylinder units offer the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or two states of tune on the eight-speed auto, while the straight-six M235i is equipped only with the manual and the sports version of the eight-speeder.
LOOKS & CABIN
Styling-wise, its standard 2 Series fare. The well-insulated cloth roof closely mimics the line of the coupe’s, while all models now boast at least 17-inch wheels.
Inside, the plastics are far better, there’s more room all-round – though the rear seats are still better utilised as storage areas than seating space, to supplement the now-larger boot – and the standard-features list is decently comprehensive.
PERFORMANCE & DYNAMICS
Heading out onto the fire-scorched Boyes Drive, I was immediately impressed with the refinement of the 2,0-litre engine, as well as its punchy delivery at urban speeds. Likewise, the six-speed manual transmission endeared itself to this fan of BMW ‘boxes (my co-driver was less enamoured, finding it too springy and the clutch a tad heavy). Composure in bends is assured, and the steering nicely direct and quick. The ride proved less impressive, crashing slightly on the pass’s rutted sections, but then again our test version was equipped with an M Sport kit that adds larger wheels and lower-profile tyres.
Hitting the highway and popping up the roof – an action which takes 20 seconds and can be performed at speeds of up to 50 km/h – highlighted excellent refinement and directional stability.
SUMMARY
The 1 Series Convertible found 2 900 buyers in South Africa – and those shoppers who trade in their vehicles on the new one will find much to love and very little to criticise.
