BMW consolidates 2 Series Active Tourer range

BMW has trimmed its updated 2 Series Active Tourer engine options from three to one, with the sole 220i Luxury Line variant now asking $49,500 plus on-roads, a reduction of $2100 over the outgoing version.

The entry-level three-pot 218i petrol and four-cylinder 218d diesel versions have been removed from the range, leaving the 141kW/280Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol 220i as the only tallboy hatcback option, which drives the front wheels via a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Completing the zero to 100km/h sprint takes 7.4 seconds, while fuel economy is rated at 5.9 litres per 100km and emissions at 134g of CO2 per km.

BMW Australia product communications manager Adam Davis told GoAuto that the company dropped the other two variants as the 220i was the best-selling version of the hatch.

“For this LCI (life cycle impulse) we have assessed the market in Australia for the 2 Series Active Tourer and determined that the 220i is most appropriate to launch with – the mid-spec petrol engines are generally our best-selling model variants across the passenger-car segments,” he said.

“If we see demand for additional variants in the market, we will assess at that time.”

Exterior styling has been tweaked in the update, led by the adoption of LED headlights with cornering function as standard, and hexagonal daytime running lights.

BMW’s signature kidney grille design has been enlarged, while the single-piece front apron has been altered to give the Active Tourer a broader stance.

At the rear, the new bumper incorporates a larger twin exhaust outlet, while the refreshed rear apron adds differentiation.

Wheels measuring 18 inches are available in five different designs with run-flat tyres as standard, while the colour palette includes 13 different hues.

Inside, changes include a newly-designed gear selector, standard Dakota leather upholstery with extended seat cushions, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with iDrive6, while an 8.8-inch screen is optionally available.

Other specification includes LED foglights, heated exterior mirrors, automatic wipers, dual-zone climate control, automatic tailgate six-speaker stereo, DAB+ digital radio and BMW Connected services.

Boot capacity is rated at 468 litres, expanding to 1510L with the 40:20:40 rear seats folded.

Standard safety equipment includes a full suite of airbags, dynamic stability control with ABS, brake assistant, multi-collision braking, active cruise control, lane departure warning, pedestrian warning, city braking, speed limit info, front and rear parking sensors, parking assistant, reversing camera and automatic high beam function.

Three option packages are available for the Active Tourer, such as the M Sport package which includes specific Dakota leather upholstery, anthracite roofliner, hexagonal aluminium interior trims, M leather steering wheel, front-row sport seats, 18-inch M light alloy wheels, shadow line exterior trim, M aerodynamics package and M Sport suspension.

The Innovations package adds head-up display, ConnectedDrive Freedom with concierge services, Driving Assistant Plus active safety suite, and Navigation system Plus with 8.8-inch screen.

Finally, the Comfort package nets buyers comfort access, electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger, electric seat adjustment with memory function and front heated seats.

Through the first quarter of 2018, BMW has sold just 41 examples of the 2 Series Active Tourer, down 70.1 per cent over the 137 it managed to the same point in 2017.

Its main competition comes from the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, which has managed 269 sales over the same period.