BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

Introduction

2 Series Active Tourer has many first in its name its BMW's first MPV, its first Front-engine, front-wheel-drive vehicle sold under BMW brand. It was first unveiled to the people in 2014 84th Geneva International Motor Show. It was designed to give direct competition to Mercedes-Benz B-Class. In Sri Lanka it is available through Prestige Automobiles which is the authorized importer and dealer of BMW vehicles.

Engine, mileage & variants

In Sri Lanka it is available in as much as 12 variants including 6 petrol and 6 diesel, whereas its hybrid avatar comes fitted with petrol engine. The top end diesel variant comes with 4 cylinder 2.0 liter engine which produces 190 hp of maximum power at 4000 rpm providing a peak torque of 400 Nm at 1750 rpm. This small 2.0 liter engine is powerful enough to run the MPV at top speed of 223 Kmph and pushes it from 0 to 100 Kmph in 7.3 seconds. Its also fuel efficient and returns a economy of 21.7 kilometer in one liter of fuel. The top end petrol variant comes with similar 4 cylinder 2.0 liter engine as diesel but has higher power output of 231 hp at 5000 and maximum torque figures of 350 Nm at 1250 rpm. Due to its much powerful engine its top speed is 237 Kmph and attains a speed of 100 Kmph in just 6.3 seconds. Since it runs with petrol it has lower fuel economy of 15.6 kilometer per liter.

Exterior

The Active Tourer is based on Mini’s platform rather stretched version of it. MPV's are generally considered low on styling and visual appearance, but this car breaks the glass. It is lengthy providing it enough legroom. Front has usual signature kidney grills bordered with chrome at the end you can see Bi-Xenon headlamps with daytime running LED lights. On the bonnet you can see two curved lines angling inward at the end of whose rest BMW logo. Side view reveals a straight line running through door handles giving it muscular look, it has become part of BMW's present design philosophy. Rear has regular BMW L shaped tail lights which makes the rear look wider. Brake light is integrated into the spoiler and the two exhaust pipes that makes this MPV look like a regular BMW. It has a long wheelbase of 2670 mm which not only provides it stability but also provides extra legroom. The length, width and height of this MPV is 4342mm, 1800 mm and 1586mm respectively. For good riding experience BMW has provided 16 inch alloy wheels with tyre size of 205/60 R16 there is also option of larger 18 inch alloy wheels.

Interior

BMW has tried to make the ambiance inside as light as possible with large windows, panoramic glass roof, light color leather seats and you can also see wood work on the door panel and dashboard. The dashboard houses an intelligent 6.5 inch LCD screen which sits right above the dashboard so that driver wont have to move its neck much. You can access BMW's ConnectedDrive services which provides localized services like news, weather information, even you can access music, see video or tune into your favorite radio channel. It's a 5 seater with ample of head and leg room. It has automatic tailgate which open up luggage space of 468 liters folding the rear seats increase the capacity to 1510 liters.

Safety, Braking and Miscellaneous

This BMW has got maximum of 5 star rating in EURO NCAP crash tests. Looking at its long list of safety features there won't be any doubt in your mind regarding its safety. Some of the safety features are 6 airbags for drivers and passengers, DSC( Dynamic Stability Control), Approach warning system, Intelligent emergency call, pedestrian warning system, BMW's Alertness Assistant. Surely, its one of the safest MPV out in the Sri Lankan market.

Verdict

This may be the first MPV for a company which usually make sporty and luxurious cars, but the way it is designed, its performance and handling its not different from a regular BMW. With the BMW badge on its bonnet its a worthy opponent, but the thing that we need to see is how well it does here in Sri Lanka where we don't see BMW as a MPV manufacturer like Toyota but a luxury car brand.