We review the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer from price to economy and all its features

Usually associated with thrusting executive saloons and sports cars, BMW has come over a bit mumsy with its new 2 Series Active Tourer.

Mountaineers, cyclists, surfers and skiing lifestyle people will flock to it BMW says; though sleep-deprived parents on the school run are, in reality, its less glamorous customers. So it won’t be climbing ropes and mountain bikes in the back, but Bugaboos and Phil and Teds buggies, child seats and the odd stray raisin, dodgy nursery art and - hopefully - quiet children.

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Road Tested...BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

If that sounds like your cup of tea, we're afraid you’ll have to wait, as BMW’s new family machine won't reach the showroom until September.

The great outdoors... The 2 Series is perfect for a family trip

Two engines will be initially offered, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit from £22,125 badged 218i, and a 218d with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel from £24,205. Standard SE specification includes an automatic opening boot, parking sensors and dual-zone climate control.

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Spend around £1,250 more and you’ll get Sport trim with larger, snazzier alloys, Sport front seats and some high gloss black exterior trim. Luxury models feature leather trim for another £2,000.

Without a school run to hand, BMW had us drive its new Active Tourer around the smooth roads of the Austrian Alps, perhaps in a bid to attract the attention of those outdoorsy types.

First impressions?

Unmistakably a BMW with its kidney grille and quad headlamp nose, the familiar look is there, albeit squashed into a shorter, taller package. Inside it’s spacious, the cabin fit and finish befitting of its BMW badge and lofty premium-brand price tag.

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How does it drive?

To allow maximum space power is sent the front wheels, and this is the first BMW to ever do so. That’ll upset those thrusting sporting drivers, but for the rest of us it matters not one bit. The new diesel engine is smooth and quiet, its easy low-rev power meaning there’s no need to push hard.

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Entertainment... Maximum comfort for all the family

BMW quotes an official economy figure of 68.9mpg, though the reality on our relatively unhurried drive was closer to 48mpg. Among its family-orientated rivals it’s unquestionably the sharpest to drive, though it never feels 'sporting', but its stability, fine control and decent steering make it enjoyable enough to help you stay awake on the way to work after dropping off the children.

What it’s like inside?

Just the three children mind, as more fertile family buyers will have to look elsewhere for additional pews. The three seats in the back of the Active Tourer fold and slide, but if maximum mathematician puzzling permeations of seating possibilities is your goal the BMW is lacking.

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Bigger boot... The space in the truck is outstanding

Think of it then as a taller, more spacious and versatile hatchback, rather than an out-and-out Multi Purpose Vehicle, though leg- and headroom are good for everyone. The boot will swallow even the biggest double buggy, or most ambitious supermarket shop, golf bags and suitcases. It's also easy to load thanks to the low lip and flat floor.

Verdict:
A carry-all from BMW, it’s not sporty, but for families who cannot bear an MPV with an ordinary badge who are prepared to sacrifice ultimate versatility then it’s a fine choice.

We like: High quality, excellent refinement and feel-good premium factor.
We dislike: Not as versatile and priced high in comparison to mainstream rivals.

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High quality... BMW have thought things through with this MPV. It'll challenge the C4 Picasso.

The rivals

BMW might call it an Active Tourer, but it competes in the busy compact MPV marketplace. Premium badges here are rare, only Mercedes-Benz offers a rival in its B-Class. Citroen’s big-selling C4 Picasso might lack the prestige brand, but does carrying people very well indeed. The Active Tourer’s pricing and performance puts it against the C4’s top models, but it’s difficult to ignore the badge and driving appeal of the BMW. It’ll sell well. No question

WORDS: Kyle Fortune