BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

On the inside, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer feels plush and premium, thanks to the well-thought layout of the dashboard and the choice of colors and materials being chosen.

Like the other entry-level BMW cars, the three-spoke steering wheel, as well as instrument console, is very simple and boring to look at. However, things get pretty interesting when you move towards the center of the dashboard. The slanting and twin-stepped layout of the dashboard is quite interesting to look at. While the upper portion of the center console gets AC vents and the free-standing touchscreen infotainment system above them, the lower portion gets buttons for climate control. The dashboard comes with a dual tone black and beige layout, with a thick strip of wood separating the two layers.

In terms of space and features, the 2 Series Active Tourer is one step above the slightly cramped 1 Series. This is all thanks to the airy feel provided by large side glasses, panoramic sunroof, and the improved legroom and shoulder room.

When it comes to looks, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has a smart and large silhouette, which definitely aids in giving it some road presence. However, the MPV-ish stance of the hatchback makes it look a bit drab and uninteresting when compared to other BMW offerings.

At the front, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has got a sloping bonnet, which ends up with BMW’s traditional twin-kidney grille. The swept back headlamps are quite big and have full LED units in them, thus adding some modernity to the frontal profile of the car.

When viewed from the sides, the MPV-ish essence can be clearly felt given the large glass areas and stretched out wheelbase. The glasses on sides get chrome garnish all around them, which in combination with the gorgeous looking machined alloy wheels, make the side profile look premium.

At the rear, the 2 Series Active Tourer looks a lot much like the X3, with an almost flat hatch at the rear dominated by large LED tail lights on the sides. The roof spoiler, shark fin antenna, roof rails, and dual exhaust pipes at the rear do insert some sportiness to the overall design.

Given its more laid out stance, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is not as athletic to drive as the 1 Series or the 2 Series Coupe. The suspension, as well as braking setup has been derived from the 2 Series Coupe, however, the suspension has been altered to have more focus on suppleness of ride quality rather than outright sporty driving dynamics. The Dynamic Damping Control helps the driver to alter his driving characteristics between comfort and sport settings.

Under the hood, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is blessed with a choice of two engine options, both of which are gasoline powered. Given the practical approach of the 2 Series Active Tourer, BMW has equipped only the entry-level engine options of the 2 Series Coupe in the former.

Starting with the smaller engine first, the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine (218i) belts out 136 PS of power and 220 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the bigger 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (225i) pumps out 231 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is pretty equipped with some very nice safety features, the list of which include six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, cornering brake control, dynamic traction control, and hill start assist.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is for those people who prefer owning a vehicle with compact footprints, but with enhanced practicality, space and comfort of a bigger car – something which is absent on the entry-level 1 Series hatchback. While it might not turn many heads owing to its very simplistic approach in styling, the ride quality, space and performance are very friendly for driving in urban conditions.