The BMW 220i Coupé follows in the footsteps of the BMW 1 Series as a sporty car in the compact segment, but it was surprisingly roomy for three adults and overnight luggage as well as extra jackets and 'glad rags' for the occasion.
The BMW 2 Series Coupé, in Alpine White, had a lot of standard and optional equipment, we'll get to that later, but the initial impact of the car's design was quite stunning. The driving pleasure that I got was also in no way selfish as the passengers both expressed surprise at the roominess of the car.
At the back the car did not disappoint in this respect, and getting in and out was relatively easy for a tall person once we got the swing-forward mechanism under control.
LOOKS
And talking of selfish pleasures - not having to do a school run means that a two-door car has always been popular in the household. Style over substance any day, I argue. This BMW two-door with its impressive figure and distinctive body design was an immediate favourite with my two like-minded passengers. Some editors would really rather sit on the backseat of something stunning any day rather than a station wagon, I was given to understand.
The BMW 2 Series Coupé is in my view more elegant and eye-catching than the 1 Series of which more than 150 000 units have been sold worldwide.
The specific vehicle concept behind the BMW 2 Series Coupé is reflected in its body design. The two-door model consists of a three-box body with clearly defined boot area and low-slung silhouette. There's a long bonnet, doors with frameless windows and an exiting-looking stretched roofline that flows smoothly.
The BMW 2 Series Coupé has body dimensions of 4 432mm long, (108mm longer than the BMW 1 Series and 72mm longer than the outgoing BMW 1 Series Coupé. The 2 Series Coupé is also 26mm wider than its predecessor (1 774mm), and has a 30mm longer wheelbase and wider tracks (front 1521mm and rear 1 556mm).
DRIVING
The ultra-sporty driving characteristics of the BMW 220i Series Coupé we drove, is generated by the 35kW four-cylinder engine. This is the engine's first appearance in a compact BMW model.
The higher specced 240kW six-cylinder in-line engine resides under the bonnet of the BMW M235i Coupé and that is the most powerful petrol-driven member of the BMW M Performance Automobile line-up.
INTERIOR
The car's height has been lowered by 5mm to 1 418mm which is the reason for the increase in interior space and 20-litres of extra boot capacity - a decnt 390-litres. The BMW 2 Series Coupé also boasts more efficient aerodynamics than the BMW 1 Series and its own direct predecessor with Cd of 0,29 for the BMW 220i Coupé.
The coupé had two-colour upholstery in Leather Dakota Coral Red with black highlights.
Although more than one colour can be overwhelming, this was both elegant and exciting and I don't think the vibrant colours will pall on an owner.
EQUIPMENT
The steering wheel has multiple function controls and the car has runflat tyres with locking wheel bolts. There is also an alarm system with radio remote control, a windscreen with grey shade band and velour floor mats. The car comes complete with warning triangle and first aid kit.
The sport seats for driver and front passanger has a retractable armrest. There are also front fog lamps, a rain sensor and automatic headlight control.
There is a hands-free facility with USB interface and automatic lock once the vehicle is driving and daytime driving lights that can be selected.
OPTIONS
There are several options available, which was included in this model - automatic transmission Steptronic, M Sport brakes, 17" double-spoke style alloy wheels and an M Sport package. Other choices are an electric glass sunroof, headlamp washer system, park distance control (PDC) at the rear, Xenon headlights and automatic air conditioner with microfilter.
Cruise control with brake function proved handy with the speed restrictions between Knysna and George.
The sports suspension and M leather covered steering wheel was part of the overall sporty feel, added to by the M Aeirodynamic kit. There is also a BMW professional radio and loudspeaker system.
CONCLUSION
The team agreed that a test drive is to be enjoyed at one's own risk - because you'll want more!
DETAILS
The engine capacity is 1997cc and the four-cylinder engine delivers 35kW with maximum power 135kW at 5 000rpm and maximum torque of 270Nm at 4 500rpm.
The 2 Series 220i Coupé retails for R482 500 and the price includes a minimum one year or 25 000km motorplan maintenance contract. The price includes all taxes but not a delivery fee.
The BMW 2 Series 220i Coupé was made available for the test drive by Lynn Schroeder Motors George. For more information contact them on 044 801 7900 or pop in for a look at their premises - 3 Glaze Street, George.
PHOTO GALLERY
The interior of the coupé was surprisingly roomy for three adults and getting in and out of the back was not problematic.
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