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This BMW 220d model is all set to make up the majority of great BMW 2 Series sales, even though the active and sporty M235i is the real star of the range. It is a familiar set-up to anyone that clearly knows the BMW 1 Series complete range – a powerful four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel presenting pretty impressive performance and exceptional running costs.
In this case, that simply means 0-62mph takes only 7.2 seconds and economy of fuel stands at 58.9mpg. Just go for the auto and those figures improve to almost 7.1 seconds and 64.2mpg. The main difference over the 1 Series on which this BMW car is based is obviously the way it appears.
The sharper headlights decently lean in to the grille and the proportions look a lot better resolved than they previously do in the hatch. Of course, you’ll have to make do with accessible only four seats but you do obtain an extra 30 litres of space easily in the boot over the 1 Series.
Even in the firmer Sport mode it will soak up rough and uneven roads while still keeping the body truly taut. And while it can’t compete with the M235i in terms of precise handling, the 220d is complete fun in its own way. The slightly softer set-up simply means you can really feel the body moving around a little bit more.
You almost get much more involvement from the chassis at quite low speeds, in the very same way a Toyota GT 86 shines even when you are nowhere near the speed limit. It actually feels back-wheel drive and flexible on the limit in a manner that models particularly like the Audi TT or Volkswagen Scirocco struggle to match.
This elegant 220d model is one of three nice diesel choices, though all are greatly powered by the same 2.0-litre diesel, only in various states of tune. It is just the only diesel test takers had the chance to ride but you can see why it will be a big-seller.
You amazingly get hot-hatch levels of performance, all while returning almost 45mpg during the normal driving. The actual bad news is that this engine sounds pretty gruff. Some better four-cylinder diesels have been launched recently and this BMW unit is beginning to look outclassed specifically in terms of refinement. Under the hard acceleration it is seriously unpleasant – it seems really at odds along with the sporty handling.
At least once you are up to speed you’ll surely find the 2 Series is a really quiet place to spend a long journey comfortably. It feels a lot more like a popular 3 Series, tackling motorways along with the comfort and refinement you hope of a far more expensive car. That is definitely not to say that the 2 Series is a cheap car in the very first place, with this 220d SE model costing probably £25,865.
That is a few thousand pounds more than a BMW 120d, but you have to observe at the BMW 220d as more of a rival to models typically like the Scirocco and TT rather than a high-priced 1 Series. When you take that onboard it is undoubtedly competitively priced, especially when you are getting a car that is a nice to drive as the efficient 2 Series is.
If you ask me, the BMW 220d is a fine choice with high performance.
