As we took the Sunset Orange colour for test drive for the very first time, its true class and quality is the epitome of any BMW range.
That positioning is also reflected by BMW’s new naming convention, which identifies all its two-door models with even-number designations. What used to be called the 3-Series Coupé is now the 4-Series. And what would have been the new 1-Series Coupe is now the 2-Series.
Time changes so does cars…
Yes, it still combines two doors with a generous boot. But the shape is more cohesive and more convincing, with proportions that now please the eye, and a streamlined execution that looks good from every angle.
New LED headlights and a revised grille and air intakes give the 2 Series a sharper look.
The 220i we had fun with was the M Sport model, which means it gets superbly comfortable and supportive bucket seats with full electric adjustment, a generous colour screen linked to the i-Drive control system, and a new-generation steering wheel that not only feels grippier, but also offers better integrated controls.
The standard equipment levels are generous, but not exactly full house. Keyless start, remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, multi-speaker audio with Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary interfaces, and a trip computer are among the highlights.
However, leather upholstery comes with added cost , while you’ll also have to dish out more for automatic climate control (manual air-con is standard) and cruise control.
The 220i urge is provided by a 2.0-litre turbo engine rated at 135kW of maximum power, linked to 270 Nm of torque, the latter already peaking from just 1,250rpm. The result is a drivetrain that always feels stronger and sportier than those figures suggest.
For diesel fans, the 2-Series can also be had with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel good for 135kW and 380Nm, respectively.
It clogged zero to 100km/h en route to Soweto that means the power torque is something to write home about.
The only snag is rear seats makes you cramped yet it has bigger door frames.
Switch to Sport mode, and the auto box swaps cogs with greater urgency and Sport Plus mode switches adds greater lenience to the stability control, allowing a measure of oversteer when cornering hard, which adds to the fun. Vrrr…
Xcitingly unconventional- the BMW 2 Series is sold with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Coupe various price range:
BMW 220i Sport Line A/T – R512 700
BMW 220i Sport Line sports A/T – R515 100
BMW 220i Luxury Line A/T – R530 100
BMW 220i Luxury Line sports A/T – R532 500
BMW 220i M Sport A/T – R533 900
BMW 220i M Sport sports A/T – R536 300
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (8)
Diesel 1-10 (5)
