So, is it a small minivan or a hot hatch?
BMW’s new 2 Series Active Tourer proves a useful runabout
TRY AS it may with clever naming strategies and advertisements full of weekend adrenaline junkies doing adventure sports that require helmets, BMW will struggle to convince us that its 2 Series Active Tourer is anything but a small minivan.
The reason this car exists is simple. Mercedes has one just like it called the B-Class. And, no matter how small or niche the segment is, if Mercedes plays in it, BMW will elbow its way in too. And vice-versa.
This segment is indeed a small and extremely niche one. The market, even over in Europe where these two cars are designed to operate, isn’t exactly screaming out for highroofed mommy hatches with premium German accoutrements and premium German price tags to match. The fact is that most families, especially South African ones who enjoy a spot of kayaking from time to time, will probably shop in the full blown SUV or double-cab bakkie segments.
The Active Tourer, and the BClass it’s taking a dip at, are targeting very specific buyers willing to pay extra for status and turn a blind eye at less prestigious marques which might offer more practicality for less money. The top 225i model which is the basis of this road test has a list price of R448 847, and specced with options as our test car was, this can rise to almost 600 grand. Ouch.
But this doesn’t mean it’s a bad car. Quite the contrary, actually. It may be both expensive and confused about whose bums its five seats will best accommodate, but it does offer high BMW quality and some surprising performance all wrapped up in one conveniently designed package.
Its 468 litre boot, which expands to 1 510 with seats folded, can gulp loads of shopping or school run paraphernalia, and an optional electric tailgate makes access a cinch. It’s cargo hold might not be a huge amount bigger than what you’d get in a five-door 1 Series, but the boot floor is at a handy height, and there’s a (unusual for BMW) spare wheel in there. The cabin itself feels spacious and airy thanks to a relatively high roof and tall glasshouse, and the seating position is also elevated nicely for a clear view of surroundings. The back seat too offers reasonable legroom, even if some of it is courtesy of the front seats which are smartly made with kneeshaped indentations in their backs.
Interior materials are all up to Beemer’s high standard with the same switchgear you’ll find in an M5, and its big colour display screen and iDrive infotainment system is familiar to other current models. There’s a feeling of solidity out on the road, and the cabin’s notably quiet with no squeaks or rattles whatsoever. I was also seriously impressed with the precision of the R8 000 optional Harman Kardon stereo system our car was specced with.
You probably know by now that this is BMW’s first ever frontwheel drive car and that most of its chassis components are shared with the new Mini, so it should come as no surprise that some of its agile handling traits have filtered through. It seems strange to talk about steering feel and grip when reviewing an MPV, but the Active Tourer is indeed blessed in these departments. It’s a genuinely fun car to drive, ready and willing to change direction like a true hot hatch.
And while on the topic of hot hatches I must mention that the Active Tourer, in 170kW/350Nm 225i guise anyway, out-sprinted the Golf 7 GTI (manual), Focus ST and Cooper JCW at our test facility’s drag strip. Its 2-litre turbo linked to an eight-speed Steptronic auto gearbox matched BMW’s claims of 6.6 seconds from 0-100km/h, and covered the quarter-mile in a not at all shabby 14.9 secs. Unfortunately it can’t quite match Beemer’s average consumption claims of 5.9 litres/100km; our car’s trip computer showed 8.7. VERDICT Yes, there’s enough space for a small kayak, some spelunking gear and a mountain bike inside the 2 Series Active Tourer, but in the real world this is a mom’s taxi despite what BMW’s marketing material might suggest.
In 225i trim it’s also a serious performer, but hot-hatch characteristics are probably wasted on a car in this people-moving genre. It’s a cleverly designed body with handy dimensions, but if you’re one of the very few who insist on impeccable German quality in your small minivan, save some cash and get the cheaper 218i or 220i versions... unless you like to dust GTIs while the kids are at class.