BMW is a manufacturer known to produce ultimate driving machines that provide complete JOY to owners. The automaker has come out with many successful models spread through various segments such as sports coupes and convertibles, SUVs and crossovers, premium luxury sedans, etc. What BMW was missing in its lineup was a van or a mini-MPV. We already know that the company offers a touring version of the 5-Series and it is known as the 5-Series GT (Gran Turismo, also offered on the 3-Series). Now, BMW has come out with a new tourer and it is based on the 1-Series. BMW has named this vehicle the 2-Series Active Tourer which also lets us to speculate that something else might be in store too that will carry the 1-Series moniker.
BMW manages to make its sedans and sports cars look really wonderful but their SUVs and crossovers always manage to look a bit weird and out-of-place. We’re not saying that they look ugly, it is just that they take some time to be accepted. The 2-Series Active Tourer is no different here. It looks a bit quirky from the front while the rear manages to look good. The side profile looks very similar to the Mercedes B-Class. The 2-Series Active Tourer comes with a seating capacity of five but there is a 7-seater version expected too. However, the two additional seats would be best suited for kids.
The 2-Series Active Tourer features interiors that are similar to the 1-Series but space has vastly improved. The rear seats are independently adjustable too. The BMW 2-Series is based on the new modular platform for FWD vehicles. This platform is used on the third generation MINI and it will also be used as a base for other products such as the next generation BMW X1. The 2-Series van will be offered with a front-wheel-drive system as standard and BMW’s xDrive AWD system will be available to buyers as an option. The BMW 2-Series Active Tourer will be available with the following engine options –
1) 218i – 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 136 PS of power.
2) 218d – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 150 PS of power and 330 Nm of torque.
3) 225i – 2.0-litre inline-4 turbocharged petrol engine producing 231 PS of power.
Luxury automakers are known to provide sportier versions of their regular vehicles and the 2-Series Active Tourer will be no different. BMW will provide the M Sport package to buyers and it will include a body kit, sports suspension, 17-inch wheels, sports steering wheel and sports seats. The BMW 2-Series Active Tourer will compete with the Mercedes B-Class and it will be unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Auto Show next month.
