In a move long signalled but will nonetheless make purists wince, BMW has unveiled a new model with front wheel drive and three cylinder engines, similar to the group’s new Mini.
The 2 Series Active Tourer, was previewed as a concept at the 2012 Paris show as an all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid.
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It follows the coupé as the second 2 Series model and will rival Mercedes’ B-Class.
It has new light weight turbocharged engines with three and four cylinders and is 4,342mm long, 1,800mm wide and 1,555mm high.
Despite the compact exterior dimensions, the interior is claimed to be light and “surprisingly spacious” with “comfortable seating for five people”. A panoramic roof is optional.
Driver and front passenger have a far higher seating position than in a saloon giving a better all-round view as well as making it easier to get in and out.
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By GlobalDataThe luggage compartment can be enlarged from 468 to 1,510 litres with a flat loading floor, and a 40:20:40 split-folding rear backrest is standard. Flexibility is enhanced by a sliding rear seat and the backrest can be adjusted.
The tailgate has push button automatic opening and closing or optional smart-opener where a quick flick of the foot sets it in motion.
A folding boot floor conceals a storage compartment with multifunction tray. Lashing points and bag hooks are included.
The platform is newly developed with a long wheelbase and wide tracks (2,670mm, 1,561mm and 1,562mm respectively), reduced-friction steering system, a torsionally very stiff, lightweight body with short overhangs, and a low centre of gravity.
At the core of the chassis is the single-joint spring-strut front axle. Lightweight and very stiff, it offers claimed excellent directional control, largely torque steer-free steering and pliancy for excellent ride comfort.
The multi-link rear axle has been newly developed and makes an important contribution to the excellent driving dynamics.
With the optional electronically controlled dampers, the chassis characteristics can be adjusted to different driving situations with a choice of two different settings. Optional variable sports steering and the introduction of M Sport models from later in 2014 will add to the sporty handling and character of the car.
The 218i version has a new three-cylinder engine. This ultra-low-friction, all-aluminium core engine is part of a newly developed modular family comprising light weight, high-performance and fuel-efficiency, equipped with TwinPower turbo technology. The result is CO2 emissions of only 115g/km, yet peak power of 136hp.
With turbocharging, direct petrol injection, double-Vanos variable camshaft timing and the longer firing intervals of the three-cylinders, it is possible to precisely match the engine cycle to varying power requirements, BMW said. As a result, throttle response is sharp, and the engine develops large amounts of torque from only slightly above idling. Peak torque of 220Nm is reached at only 1,250rpm and sustained all the way until 4,300rpm.
Further advantages of this lightweight, compact three-cylinder engine are its vibration characteristics. The small amounts of engine roll torque are said to be completely eliminated by a balancer shaft while the combination of a dual-mass flywheel and a centrifugal pendulum absorber, unusual in this power class, eliminate irregular running, ensuring refinement even at the low end of the engine speed range.
A new four-cylinder diesel engine is used in the 218d.
Turbocharged and common rail direct-injected, optimised performance with optimised efficiency see CO2 emissions as low as 109g/km, power of 150hp and a peak torque of 330Nm.
A new diesel engine, it has a friction-reduced core engine, improved thermodynamics and injection pressures of up to 2,000 bar. This model has a dual-mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum absorber.
Higher-power 225i models with xDrive four wheel drive 220i, 216d, 220d and 220d xDrive versions will follow.
The standard transmission is a newly developed six-speed manual unit. Optional with the three-cylinder engine is a six-speed automatic.
For the four-cylinder engine, a new eight-speed automatic transmission has been developed which is specially adapted to take account of the front-wheel-drive configuration and the transverse engine.
All transmissions feature auto start-stop while automatics further improve vehicle efficiency with a coasting function.
In addition to the entry level version Sport, Luxury and M Sport models will be offered here in the UK.
M Sport models have an aerodynamics package, sport suspension and 18-inch light-alloy wheels complemented by a leather steering wheel and specially upholstered sports seats.
Weight saving innovations include an aluminium bonnet which weighs eight kilograms, about 50% less than a steel component.
For the first time in the segment, BMW will offer full colour head-Up display (optionally available as part of the Professional Plus media package.
There is also a new pedestrian warning with city braking function which significantly improves pedestrian safety in urban environments. If the system detects a pedestrian or a stationary vehicle, it emits an audible and visible signal to warn the driver, and primes the brakes. If the driver fails to react, the system acts autonomously to reduce vehicle speed.
The new parking assistant operates at speeds below 22mph helps the driver look for appropriate parallel parking spaces using ultrasound sensors on the left and right-hand sides of the vehicle and then takes charge of steering.
New bi-LED lights are available for the dipped and main beam functions. These lights are as bright as comparable xenon systems with LED daytime running light rings, but only consume half as much energy. LED technology is also used in the cornering lights.
