Motors went to BMW's global launch venue in Texas to put the new machine through its paces ahead of its arrival in Europe.
The car's proportions are far more pleasing than the slightly awkward 1 Series Coupé Convertible it replaces. Despite quirky looks, the 1 Series was a global bestseller in the premium compact convertible class with over 130,000 sales. The 2 Series Convertible is more efficient, lighter, longer and wider. It has a longer wheelbase and a broader track, while overall it has a more appealing three-box saloon look.
The four-seater is cosy inside but feels perfectly formed. One viewing angle that shows off the design team's great attention to detail is from above, where you can see a boat-deck effect - it's as if the cabin has been carved into the steel shell. The two-door coupé features a neat folding cloth top that can be dropped, or raised, in 20 seconds. The nice thing is you can do this while moving at speeds up to 50kph.
On the road our 228i, petrol-powered machine was lively and the eight-speed steptronic automatic gearbox made hustling the car along effortless. The 2 convertible features a stiff body and was composed on a variety of surfaces, such as the I35 (Interstate), with its 80mph speed limit, and also on some pretty poor surfaced 'B' and 'C' roads, where there was a noticeable lack of scuttle-shake or body-flexing.
2 Series Convertible will be available with X-drive all-wheel drive (mid 2015), but the vast majority of sales will be rear-wheel drive machines. Weight distribution is a perfect 50/50, so the driver gets a more involving handling experience.
The boot is larger than the old 1 convertible but still pretty small. A pull-down cover in the boot ensures there is enough room for the folded roof, but you can also raise this when the top is up to free up more boot space (335 litres). The rear two seats are best left unoccupied: access has been improved but 2 Series is a compact car so kids will fit or flexible, compact adults - for short journeys.
Our test car was a blast with the top down. There is an optional, now easier-to-use, mesh wind deflector that makes longer journeys a less turbulent experience. You can even get a heated steering wheel, which is great for topless motoring on cold days. With the roof up the cabin is also noticeably quieter than the 1!
Prices in Ireland start at €44,630 (on the road) for the 220d (190hp/400nm). We love this frugal diesel (4.4L/4.7L) in the hard top Coupé. Petrol power is well worth considering for a slightly quieter life and easier filling station experience, with the 220i costing €47,710 (OTR).
The 220i has 184hp and 270nm of torque, which is a perfectly adequate amount of power for this type of machine. We, of course, would love the outrageously good fun M235i (326hp/450nm), but at €66,860 it's a lot of money when the 228i M Sport (245hp/350nm) is excellent value at €51,640. Sport, Luxury and M-Sport are the available trim levels.
The 2 Series Convertible is a fun and relatively affordable route into premium open-top motoring. The car shrinks around you and is grin-inducing.
A compact, handsome drop top, the 2 is just the job.
Michael Sheridan
