The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is no relation to the 2 Series Coupe, it is based on a stretched platform from the BMW owned Mini, this is therefore not only the first MPV that BMW have produced but the first Front wheel drive car sold bearing the famous Bavarian emblem. BMW have done their best to make the Active Tourer worthy of the tagline ‘ultimate driving machine’ in that you sit a little lower than a Citroen Picasso, it is more advanced than a Ford C-Max, it holds just a little more kerb appeal than the Mercedes B-Class, and the engines are a little more punchy and economical than the Golf SV. BMW’s are all about desirability and the Active Tourer hits the mark, it retains the DNA of a BMW throughout, ok it’s not the biggest boot at 468 litres, visibility is compromised by large pillars, the rear seats slide 60/40 and not as individual units, the middle rear seat is small and the floor is not flat and the 6.5″ information screen is not touchscreen but these can be forgiven as this is a BMW and one that appeals to more than the Estate Agents and ambitious middle managers, this is a car that offers all of the good things of owning a BWW, excellent driving credentials, superb design and powerful engines, but with practicality at its core.
The Active Tourer is available in four trim levels, SE, Sport, Luxury and M-Sport, all cars have an electric tailgate, rear parking sensors, electric folding rear seats operated from a button in the boot (but you do have to pull them up by hand), engine start stop button, 16″ alloy wheels, automatic wipers and lights, dual zone climate control, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB compatibility and a 6.5″ colour screen centrally mounted display. The Sport adds 17″ alloys, sport front seats and LED ambient lighting, The Luxury adds wood trim, leather seats and chrome exterior detailing, the M-Sport has 18″ alloy wheels, sports suspension, aerodynamics package and M-Sport steering wheel and seats. To include sat nav it is a £595 extra, cruise control is £240 and the panoramic roof is £945, all of which are standard on the ‘Exclusive+’ Citroen C4 Picasso.
The 2 Series Active Tourer would not fit into the BMW stable of cars if it was not powered by outstanding engines and the entry point 1.5 litre three cylinder petrol offering lifted from the Mini is quite excellent, badged as 218i with 134 bhp and six manual gears it can pull the Active Tourer to 62 miles per hour in 8.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 127mph, while still return economy figures of 57.6 miles per gallon, the 216d which is a 1.5 litre three cylinder diesel with 114 bhp can reach 62 in 10.3 seconds and return 74 miles per gallon as a 6 speed manual. The pick of the bunch is the all new 147bhp 2.0 litre four cylinder diesel (218d)which is only available to mobility customers with the class leading 8 speed automatic gearbox that can reach 62mph in 8.6 seconds and hit 130mph, economy is an astounding 68.9 miles per gallon.
The obvious competition for the BMW is the Mercedes B Class, particularly as it is now available in AMG line trim and as an entry level car it offers better value but the Active Tourer has enough to make a more intriguing choice, while it is very expensive, it is also very good and despite being front wheel drive and an MPV it is every part a BMW. If funds stretch, or money is no object, then the 218d in luxury trim with the 8 speed automatic is the pick but as a six speed manual the punchy 218i makes an excellent choice, but to spend the amount of money required as an advance payment you have to really want a BMW.
Winter Best Buy – BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 218i 1.5 petrol ‘SE’ Manual – £1699 Advance Payment (£690 wpms)
Winter Best Buy – BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 218d 2.0 diesel ‘Luxury’ 8 speed Automatic – £2899 Advance Payment (£1890 wpms)
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