Brand values are very much important to any automaker. They clearly represent the core attributes that a potential consumer can hope after purchase. That said BMW has, over the years, achieved a desirable reputation for its naturally aspirated engines, back-wheel-driven products. All its vehicles are appreciated all over the world. But my article mainly focuses on BMW 220d Active Tourer.
In terms of both performance and efficiency the active BMW 2.0-litre turbo diesel is one of the most accomplished engines in the whole segment. It may sound a tad agricultural on start-up and at quite low speeds but once on the move 400 N.m of torque merges with the 8-speed auto transmission to provide stirring performance.
A claimed 0-100 km/h time of only 7.5 seconds does not tell the complete story as in-gear performance is where the actual competence lies. Cruising is utterly a relaxed affair. BMW clearly claims just 4.3 liters/100 km, very much optimistic considering an average weekend spent with the elegant test car returned closer to 7.0 L/100 km.
The downside of the front-wheel-drive is that with all the torque on tap, the front wheels start to scrabble for grip during some hasty take-offs and the steering wheel tugs very lightly in the hand – which is not a trait expected from a BMW…
To sum up, it can be said that 220d is a nice option with decent design and powerful engine.
The 2-series Active Tourer is a proper BMW, good-looking, a joy to ride, smart in concept and execution, truly up market in terms of both content and quality. With a powerful front-engine, pleasant rear-wheel-drive vehicle like the BMW 3 Series, you have a compact longitudinal mounted engine/transmission and a prop-shaft running beneath the cabin that infringes on space of cabin.
Thus the front-wheel drive set-up makes sense from the perspective of space. An Active Tourer is probably 282 mm shorter than a 3-Series but proposes comparable rear legroom if the bench is moved backwards. Granted the boot is somehow smaller but a higher roof line generates a feeling of space missed in the cabin of a 3.
I believe it must have been a big challenge for BMW designers to introduce its trademark design language cues into crucially a square block. That said, they have been usually successful; the popular kidney grill up front a focal point with a vigorous shoulder line denoting dynamism.
The rear reminds of an X3 and is maybe not its best angle. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder but the blue-and-white propeller at either end plays an important part in lifting the overall appeal…
Inside, the BMW theme is very well executed and the optional interior package (sport comforting seats and black dash inserts) counts to a premium feel. Extremely soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery and marvellous fit and finish accentuate this. Intelligent storage spaces are offered in the centre console and door pockets while the rear seats easily fold flat to aid practicality.
The driver and passenger seats both are mostly comfortable yet rear legroom is rather compromised once the back bench is in its forward most position. Through the windscreen, the view is aided by an elevated driving position.
