• Coupe version of the existing 1 Series hatchback
• Two petrol and one diesel engine available at launch
• On sale in March next year
The latest addition to the BMW range – the 2 Series Coupe – has been unveiled. Following the example of the recently launched 4 Series (the coupe version of the 3 Series) the 2 Series (which is based on the 1 Series) will replace the 1 Series Coupe and convertible in the range.
Compared to the 1 Series, the new car gets a re-worked front and uses the classic ‘three-box’ dimensions of a coupe. However, it retains traditional BMW styling cues including the ‘Hofmeister kink’, where the rear window meets the bodywork, and the company’s trademark kidney grille and twin front headlamps.
Three engines will be available at launch. Firstly, there is a 181bhp 2.0-litre diesel (called the 220d) which produces 280lb/ft of torque and can launch the car from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds. Despite these performance figures, the car will still return 64.2mpg and emits just 117g/km of CO2. Two petrol-engined models will be available, too – a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit, which produces 181bhp and 199lb/ft of torque, and the range-topping M235i, which uses a 320bhp turbocharged six-cylinder engine.
Two further diesel models – the 218d and 225d – will be available shortly after launch, and all versions send their drive to the rear wheels via the standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional eight-speed automatic.
The interior is identical to that in the 1 Series hatch, but although the 2 Series has more rear seat space than the outgoing 1 Series Coupe, it has much less than the 1 Series. Three trim-levels will be available – SE, Sport and M Sport – and even the basic SE models come with a 6.5-inch colour display with iDrive, climate control, Bluetooth, aux and USB connectivity as well as DAB radio and automatic wipers. Sport models get parking sensors and 17-inch alloys, while M Sport adds 18-inch alloys, a 10mm drop in ride height, front sports seats, an M Sport leather steering wheel and cloth-alcantara upholstery.
The BMW 2 Series will go on sale in March 2014, priced from £24,265 to £34,250, making it considerably cheaper than its main rival, the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
By James Richardson
@JARichardson1
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