BMW 218d Active Tourer SE
Georg Kacher gets a lesson in front-wheel-drive MPVs
from the makers of the ultimate driving machine.
Space-functional concept. That was the working title of the
fi veseat 2-series Active Tourer and next year’s seven-seat Grand Tourer.
What’s in a name? More than you think. Especially when the initial connotation
is MPV or – dare we say it – minivan. On paper, creating a new MPV is a recipe
for disaster; vans of all sizes account for the fastest-shrinking market
segment, and they are typically not BMW-like in posture and performance. But
the man from BMW won’t have it.
Active Tourer’s
price is on terms with Merc B-class, but BMW is heavier
‘The 2-series Active Tourer will be a runaway success,’
states senior product manager Frank Niederländer, keeping a straight face.
‘It’s a proper BMW: good-looking, a joy to drive, clever in concept and
execution, truly upmarket in terms of content and quality…’
Although the design incorporates most must-have cues, the
high-roof five-seater is not an instant crowd puller; at a glance, it appears
more 3-series GT pragmatic than 4-series Gran Coupe pretty. Inside, one may initially
frown at the massive dashboard which curves into the cabin like a symmetrical
wave crested with wood, leather and bright work.
The quality of surface materials on the other hand is
spot-on, easily eclipsing the current 1/3/4/5/6-series and the X1 and X3. We
note two new detail features: the standard driving experience selector is a
three-way toggle bar labelled Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport; and the optional
head-up display uses a Mini-style pop-up screen.
There are four equipment levels: base SE, Sport, Luxury and
M Sport. The new BMW starts from just over $36.459,50, which is comparable to a
Mercedes B-class and around $21.544,25 more than the VW Golf SV.
The Active Tourer is not only BMW’s first MPV bar the 1990s
5-series-based Megaron concept, it’s also the first front-wheel-drive model bar
a handful of Rover-based prototypes. Another fi rst concerns the availability
of frugal three-cylinder engines in a non-hybrid model. The 1.5-litre units are
the 134bhp petrol in the 218i and the 114bhp diesel fitted to the 216d. Both
were introduced in the new Mini last year, which shares its basic ‘FAAR’
architecture with the fi ve-door 2-series and the 2016 X1 replacement.
Four-wheel drive is an optional extra for the 228bhp 225i and the 187bhp 220d,
and an eight-speed automatic is standard on the 225i and the 220d xDrive. The
only self-shifter compatible with the three-cylinder engines is the ancient and
underwhelming six-speed Steptronic.
Front drive gives
more rear legroom than 5-series, boot bigger than X1
The first impression you gain on the move is of praiseworthy
refinement; this car is remarkably quiet. Even when you lock the adjustable
dampers in Sport mode, and even when – as with our test cars – imposing 225/45
R18 tyres are fitted, generous compliance and a cosseting ride remain.
Handling? Failsafe and communicative but quantifiably less entertaining than a
3-series Touring.
Having said that, BMW has done a good job in fi ne-tuning
the Active Tourer’s balance. With DSC off , wheel spin is controlled by a brake
activated electronic diff lock. Although understeer is still the prevailing
attitude at the limit, the chips will momentarily nudge the car towards the
apex, encourage the tail to swing round, then speed up the torque flow as you
open up the steering.
Predictably, there’s a long list of extras. Launch control
and shift paddles? Tick Sport transmission.
Will plush cabin
tempt buyers from SUV to MPV?
