Say Good-Bye To BMW's 1-Series Convertible And Say Hello To The New 2-Series Convertible
2014-10-19 11:27:37
BMW’s new 2-series coupé has now been unveiled, effectively replacing the out-going 1-series Convertible in the company’s range. Four engines will be on offer – three petrol and one diesel – and it will be the only car in its class to offer rear-wheel drive. From launch, there will be four trim levels – Sport, Modern, Luxury and M Sport – but an entry-level SE version will also join the range at a later date. Prices will range from £29,180 for the 220i to £37,710 for the M235i.
The entry-level 220i will get you a 182bhp 4-cylinder engine that is capable of accelerating the car to 62mph from a standing start in 7.5 seconds. The entry-level diesel model is the 220d, and this offers 188bhp and is capable of matching the 220i’s 0-62mph dash. It will carry a price tag of £29,965. These engines can only be matched to the Sport, Modern and Luxury trim levels. Standard equipment on even the entry level model includes alloy wheels, climate control, keyless start, sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. BMW’s ‘Professional’ radio and iDrive operation system also come as standard. These range in size from 6.5-inches to 8.5-inches, depending on trim level.
The next most powerful model will be the 242bhp 228i. It will accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and set you back £31,550. The 228i can only be secured with the M Sport trim level.
For the time-being, the range topper will be the 322bhp M235i. Thanks to its lovely 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine which is capable of offering a handy 332lb ft or torque between 1,300rpm and 4,500rpm, it will be able to accomplish the 0-62mph dash in just 5.2 seconds (with a 6-speed manual gearbox, or 5.0 seconds dead if you opt for the 8-speed automated gearbox) before going to an electronically-governed top speed of 155mph. It will cost you from £37,710 and has its own unique ‘M Performance’ specification and includes tweaks to the suspension and damping characteristics to cope with “the requirements of the open body style”. Like the Coupé, it will also get the limited slip diff, M Sport brakes and M Performance aero styling tweaks.
The convertible is of the traditional soft fabric variety. BMW claim it can be raised and lowered in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. With the hood up, the 2-series is much quieter than its predecessor thanks to additional insulation and improved aerodynamics. The roof motors, levers and mechanisms account for an additional 70kg of bulk over the Convertible’s Coupé sibling. The roof joins to A-pillars which have been strengthened whilst spring-loaded roll-over bars deploy from behind the passenger seats in the event of the car over turning.
In order to accommodate space for the hood when folded, many convertible cars have to compromise the amount of space in the boot. However, BMW are promising that the 2-series will have the largest boot in its class. A through-load system will provided added practicality.
In order to enhance safety and provide driving dynamics that are comparable to the hard-top coupé version, BMW claims that its engineers have increased torsional stiffness by 20%. This has been achieved despite an overall weight reduction. The overall length has been stretched by 110mm.
The 2-series convertible will go on sale at the end of February and was first displayed at the Paris Motor Show earlier this month.
This is an abridged article especially prepared by First4Auto on behalf of EcoCars4Sale.
Reported By
Andrew Merritt-Morling
Chief Editor
