BMW 2 Series 220i 2014 review

Following through with a new model designation and the arrival this month of a new, compact two door range, BMW's previous 1 Series coupe becomes the 2-Series coupe. BMW is channelling good vibes from the "legendary" 1960s 2002 for the 2-Series release but that's drawing a long bow. These new coupes are much more grown-up comparatively speaking and offer superb performance, handling and comfort in a package that looks a million bucks on the road.

RANGE / PRICES

It arrives initially in three variants - 220i petrol 2.0-litre, 220d diesel 2.0-litre and 235i petrol 3.0-litre priced at $50,500, 52,500 and $79,900 respectively. All feature BMW's so-called Twin-Power engines though none has twin turbos, they use twin-scroll single turbos.

In hard statistics the 220i is good for 135kW/270Nm (from 1250rpm) and clocks a 0-100kmh sprint in 7.0 seconds. Fuel use is rated at 6.0-litres/100km. Those numbers for the 220d are 135kw/380Nm, 7.1 seconds and a startling 4.4-litres while the 235 is a new high performance tempter in BMW's lineup offering up 240kW/450Nm, 4.8 seconds and 7.6-litres. Company execs virtually admitted there was a 180Kw 228i petrol four coming and we wouldn't be surprised to see a 216 entry model down the track at around the mid 40 grand mark.

DESIGN / STYLING

The 2 Series is larger than the 1, lower, wider, longer and with a wider track. It now becomes a quandary for buyers looking at the larger, more expensive 4 Series coupe that isn't much bigger inside or out than the 2 Series and shares similar powertrains and specs. Thankfully, 2 Series loses the ugly 1-Series front having a "unique" grille, headlight and bumper assembly that sets it well apart from the hatch. Same at the rear with the 2 having a wide stance and many attractive elements to the styling.

FEATURES

The interiors are much the same through 1 and 2 Series but BMW has moved to simplify the options by bundling many into a number of packs buyers can choose. Standard equipment is good with all variants having an eight-speed conventional auto transmission, auto lights and wipers, climate control, sports seats, mock or real leather upholstery model dependent, voice control functions, extended Bluetooth functions, satnav and a folding rear seat.

The range topping 235 variant gains the performance M Sport package as standard that includes aero body embellishments and enhancements, adaptive suspension, M brakes, 18-inch alloys, BMW's brilliant variable steering system, bi-xenon lights, better iDrive controller, internet connectivity and premium audio. All models get launch control.

DRIVING

The drive program offered up all three models, all of which impressed on the open road and around town. Ride quality is a brilliant marriage of control and comfort, something that was emphatically demonstrated on the Tassy back roads during the drive. Even in Sport+ mode, the three cars capably negotiated all manner of surface irregularities and corners taken at various speeds.

Based on this, the 2 Series would make an excellent touring machine that can have the wick turned up without complaining. The 220i offers an engaging drive with plenty of kick thanks to the eight-speed auto tapping directly into maximum torque at any given engine speed.

The diesel has just as much go, possibly more roll-on acceleration and it spins to 5500rpm where lesser diesel run out of puff around 4000. Fuel economy in the diesel is striking even when driving hard. The 235i is something else again. Everything happens a lot quicker in this car when you exercise the right foot. It would be our pick of performance BMWs outside a genuine M car. We took them to the track too and of course, the 235 shone, far and away the most fun, the most engaging, the most responsive, best sounding etc.

VERDICT

Problem time for BMW coupe buyers. The choice is now complicated particularly as the smallest coupe has the most powerful six pot engine... We'd have the 235i in a flash and it's rear wheel drive -- the real deal.