Alan Douglas: Crossover BMW is eco-driven performing powertrain
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
It’s strange I know, but for some people a car is just a means of getting about.
To them, it’s just a people mover – a term which not so long ago covered much of the market. That’s changed with a shift towards SUV or crossover softroaders and an emphasis on capability rather than simple space for all the family.
Multi-purpose vehicles, more commonly referred to as MPVs, have taken a hit and even the former leading lights in the market, like Citroen with their C4 Picasso and Renault, whose Grand Scenic was a popular choice, have dropped them from their range.
So it’s a little surprising that upmarket brand BMW – and fellow German make Mercedes – are continuing to produce spacious cars designed for ma, pa and several weans.
BMW has updated its Series 2 Active Tourer and while it’s more compact than some of the previous French offerings it offers more space and flexibility than what’s available in many showrooms.
They have confidence in their second generation version – more than 40,000 of the original Active Tourer have taken to British roads since it appeared seven years ago.
They’re not taking any chances though. The latest version is described as “crossover-influenced” and it comes with a mild hybrid electric option with a plug-in just around the corner.
That should extend the appeal to buyers who want the engineering quality, performance and status of a BMW but also the carrying capacity, economy and environmental credentials of an electric powertrain.
The latest version continues as front-wheel drive but is also designed to accommodate their latest electric technology.
It’s wider, taller and longer and only marginally bigger than the smaller 1 Series but with more height, head and legroom than before.
It has a similar profile but with the new BMW huge kidney grille watched over by slim, sharp headlights. There’s a conventional MPV shape to the side thanks to the rear roofline with more discreet built-in door handles.
The range is simple with Sport, Luxury and M Sport versions and prices starting around the £31,000 level.
The mild hybrid system in the featured 223i test car produces 14bhp and 40Nm boost to the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The 48v electric motor is mounted within the gearbox to minimise transmission losses, and the battery is topped up by energy regenerated when decelerating and braking.
The seven-speed auto gearbox is smooth and refined but I feel the central console-mounted sliding selector control is a poor alternative to the standard rotary wheel or more conventional stubby gearknob.
The dash is dominated by the widescreen curved display which is already in the electric i4 and iX. Unfortunately, like most other new cars these days, almost every function has to be accessed through the screen and on the move it becomes tricky not only navigating the menu, but also making sure you hit the right target.
Fortunately, there’s a shortcut button to the climate control but that still leaves a host of other functions buried deep in the screen. That includes the irritating lane departure setting which means every time you restart, you have to work through the menu to disarm it.
There’s loads of storage and the boot is a useful size with a hidden compartment for valuables below the floor. Because the battery is under the floor between the axles, there’s no restriction of space for passengers or cargo. The 40/20/40-split folding rear bench slides to give you the option of extra space for people or luggage.
The M Sport test car comes with the adaptive suspension as standard which makes the car solid as a rock on the road through the bends but a touch firm on unforgiving surfaces.
Performance is perfectly acceptable, if not breathtaking, but the package comes together with an attractive mid-40s mpg, which is very welcome in these high-price petrol days.
CAR: BMW 223i M Sport Active Tourer auto
PRICE: £38,370 (£42,470 as tested)
ENGINE: 1998cc 4 cyl inline turbocharged petrol MHEV + 48V electric motor front wheel drive
POWER: 215 bhp
TORQUE: 360 Nm
PERFORMANCE: Top speed 149mph. 0-62mph 7 secs
ECONOMY: 45 mpg
CO2: 140g/km
