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It would have been unimaginable just a few years ago if I told you BMW was going to produce a front-wheel drive vehicle, but here it is – the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer – the brand’s first vehicle driven by the front wheels!
That’s not all, it will also be BWM’s first minivan, despite the fancy name given to it by the Munich-based manufacturer. Based on the 2012 Active Tourer Concept, the family-friendly 2-Series has seating for five and measures 4,342mm long, 1,800mm wide, 1,555mm in height and has a 2,670mm wheelbase.
It is based on the same modular platform as the third generation MINI hatch. The same platform is set to underpin the next BMW X1 SUV and also a few other models in the pipeline.
The 2-Series Active Tourer is being launched with a choice of three and four-cylinder engines that are installed transversely at the front. The range kicks off with a 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine for the 218i. It promises to send the 1,320kg vehicle from 0-100km/h in 9.3 seconds (9.6 seconds for auto) while returning 4.9L/100km (5.1L/100km for auto).
Next up is the diesel-powered 218d which is equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 110kW and 330Nm. It is good for a 0-100km/h of 8.9 seconds and returns 4.1L/100km for both transmissions.
The final engine in the launch line-up is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol in the 225i that churns out 170kW/350Nm. It will propel the Active Tourer to triple digits in a hot hatch beating 6.8 seconds while returning 6.0L/100km.
BMW promises that its first front-wheel drive model will retain its hallmark driving dynamics. The range will eventually be joined by BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive models.
While you, like us, may disagree, BMW said the 2-Series Active Tourer “cuts a sporty and elegant figure from every angle”. Really? While the exterior is inoffensive and reminds us of the latest Kia Rondo, it’s interior is typical BMW – clean and uncluttered. The dashboard layout is similar to the 1-Series hatchback and 2-Series Coupé.
There is 468 litres of luggage space behind the hatch, expanding to 1,510 litres with the seats down. The rear seats are also independently adjustable.
Like the rest of the BMW range, the 2-Series Active Tourer will be offered with Sport Line, Luxury Line and the M Sport package as an option.
Other options include the BMW ConnectedDrive which includes Traffic Jam Assistant and camera-based cruise control system with Stop & Go function. The system will autonomously drive the vehicle in heavy traffic.
It will also be available with a class first Head-Up Display which projects all relevant driving information into the driver’s field of vision in full colour.
