The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last week. We take a look at the first ever front-wheel drive from BMW.
The Active Tourer bears all the stylish design hallmarks of a BMW, with added functionality and flexibility. It will launch as a 5-seater, with the 7-seater option to follow later in 2014.
As well as being the first front-wheel drive car from BMW, it is based on the new BMW UKL platform – the same as the 2014 MINI Hatch.
There will be two models available at launch – the 218i and the 218d.
The BMW 218i Active Tourer is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which produces 134 bhp. It will go from 0-60mph in 9.3 seconds and hit top speeds of 124mph.
The BMW 218d Active Tourer has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 148bhp. It will move from 0-60mph in 8.9 seconds and achieve top speeds of up to 127mph.
The Active Tourer breaks with convention as a BMW: it is all about functionality rather than being a powerful drive.
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer Dimensions
The model measures just 4342mm in length, 1800mm in width and 1555mm in height.
It is a people carrier, so it needs to be roomy – and, despite compact dimensions on the outside, it is. The rear seats slide and recline to give owners the ability to increase the existing boot space of 468 litres to 1150 litres.
The flexible space theme continues with a folding front passenger seat, which allows Active Tourer drivers to transport items up to 2.4 metres in length.
Smart Boot
The Innovative Comfort Access system – including Smart-opener – allows for contactless opening of your boot when you're laden with shopping bags. Before you panic about folk getting into your boot, don't – this nifty wee feature is secure and only works when somebody with a key is detected nearby.
Drivers simply wave their foot under a sensor in the rear bumper and like magic the boot opens – a particularly useful feature in a car geared towards families and the outdoors.
Active Tourer Specification
The Active Tourer includes a raft of additional features:
- M Sport Suspension
- Adaptive Dampers to help adjust to anything the road might throw at you
- Head Up display and Traffic Jam Assist to ensure Active Tourer drivers have vital information in their line of sight when they need it
- ConnectedDrive technology, including camera-based adaptive cruise control
- Smartphone apps, including concierge service and real-time traffic information
When will the Active Tourer be available?
Full pricing for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will be announced in July, with the deliveries beginning in September. It is expected to be priced at under £23,000.
You can still check out our range of used BMWs today, or contact your local BMW dealer for more information on this exciting new car.