The new BMW 2 series convertible is replacing BMW’s 1 Series drop-top, the only one with rear-wheel drive. Is this a wise move or could it prove folly? Let’s see what Geraldine Herbert thinks about the car?
First impressions of the BMW 2 series convertible?
BMW has always made convertibles that look as good with the top up as they are with the top down and this new 2 looks every bit as good as their sleek looking coupe.
What about the interior?
The cabin is very similar to that found in the 2-series coupé but it feels better quality. Space throughout is decent and access to the two rear buckets seats is good though it’s unlikely you’ll fit two adults in there comfortably for any great length of time. There is enough space in the boot for plenty of shopping bags and even when the top is folded away there is pretty generous 280 litres. Plus the loading bay is 480mm wide so it is easy to get things in and out
On the road?
We’d go for the 220d diesel engine, which balances plenty of power with decent fuel economy but for all-out thrills try the range-topping 326bhp 3.0-litre M235i.
BMW 2 series convertible in the city:
The convertible handles well but it doesn’t feels quite as sporty as we would have liked and it is not quite as sharp as the coupe. The steering in the 220d is a little on the light side and while it is far better in the M235i it still lacks a little of that razor sharpness you get in the coupe version.
BMW 2 series convertible on the open road:
On the motorway this baby Beemer delivers first class grip and control but road noise is unwelcome.
What about the roof?
This very well insulated five-layer fabric top can be opened at the press of a button in 20 seconds and at speeds up to 32 mph. With the roof up the 2 series Convertible feels intimate and cosy – perfect for those romantic getaways at the weekend when showers might occur.
The Price?
Prices for the 2 Series range start at £29,180 for the 220i manual rising to £37,710 for the M235i. The 220d proves very economical and achieves almost 60 miles to the gallon and with C02 emissions of just 124g/km.
Car Safety?
Safety systems include front airbags, side airbags with head airbags integrated into the seat backrests, seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters in the front seats and ISOFIX child-seat attachment points in the rear. Also standard is the useful Tyre Pressure Monitoring System – this identifies any loss of pressure to any of the tyres, telling the driver.
What are my options?
The 220d and 220i models are available in Sport, Luxury and M Sport trim while the 228i is offered in M Sport only and the M235i has its own unique specification. SE models will become available at a later date.
Three words to describe the BMW 2 series convertible:
Classy; Comfortable; Clever
For more information check out BMW.co.uk
This is a Car Review for women written by wheelsforwomen.co.uk; a website offering honest, informative and jargon-free car reviews, news and features. Even better, all reviews are written by women for women.
