2 Series Active Tourer

The first front-wheel-drive vehicle in BMW’S history, the 2 Series Active Tourer, entered Australian showrooms in November 2014, ready to take on its most obvious rival, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

Available in three variants, the spacious hatchback offered a choice between two petrol engines and a diesel-powered version, all with torque sent to the front wheels only.

The entry-level 218i combined a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine – its first application for the brand – with a six-speed automatic transmission to produce 100kW of power and 220Nm of torque, while consuming as little as 5.2 litres of fuel per 100km.

The top-performing 225i featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 170kW and 350Nm. It teamed up with an eight-speed automatic transmission and could dash from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds, a full three seconds quicker than the 218i.

Combined-cycle fuel consumption for the 225i stood at 6.1L/100km but both petrol-powered versions were trumped for frugality by the 218d diesel variant which used just 4.2L/100km.

Fitted standard with an eight-speed automatic, the diesel model’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine developed 110kW and a hearty 330Nm of torque.

Specification and equipment for 218i and 218d versions were the same, with both variants wearing 17-inch wheels, foglights and Sport Line touches that continue through to the interior.