BMW 220i Convertible 2015 review

BMW 2 Series in convertible format is a pure BMW in the eyes of those who love the upmarket German marque. That's because it has rear-wheel drive and is offered with a straight-six engine (though the test car reviewed here was a four-cylinder).

Though it shares its '2 Series' numbering system with some new BMW models that have a transverse engine and front-wheel drive we can assure keen drivers the 220i convertible and its coupe brothers have a differential just where you want it - between the rear wheels.

Design

The new BMW 2 Series convertible replaced the open-top BMW 1 Series early this year. As is often the way it's grown in size over its predecessor, being 72mm longer at 4432mm and 27mm wider at 1774mm. The wheelbase has been stretched by 30mm to 2690mm to make sure the overhangs haven't grown overmuch.

This increase in size comes as no surprise when you learn that this 2 Series is based on a platform that shares some components with the BMW 3 Series.

The small BMW has a wide, even more purposeful stance than the old 1 Series.

Call us old fashioned, but we really do prefer our convertibles to have soft tops - not metal folding roofs. That's because even with the top closed, which, sadly, tends to be most of the time, your car still looks like a 'proper' convertible - not like a closed coupe.

We like the way the roof folds into the body with what BMW call a 'boat-deck' look.

Inside, the company's newest convertible has the important large dials under a shroud directly in front of the driver and a sweeping dash done in quality materials that live up to the company's image.

Features

The multimedia screen sits in the centre of the dash and is deeper than in some other recent models; we find it more usable because of that. Interestingly, it leapfrogs its more expensive brothers in being the first to use the new-generation Professional navigation system. This has free-of-charge, over-the-air updating of navigation data via a built-in SIM card.

The optional BMW ConnectedDrive Services package in our review car provided telephone and internet-based services; other innovative functions can be integrated into the car's operating system via apps.

Engines / Transmissions

BMW 220i and 228i have different variants of a four-cylinder 2.0-litre TwinPower turbo-petrol engine. This uses a twin-scroll turbo, not two turbochargers as the name may suggest. Our 220i test car had a power output of 135kW and produced 270Nm from 1250 to 4500rpm - a nice spread that will have most owners at the torque peak most of the time.

The M325i uses a TwinPower six-cylinder unit displacing 3.0 litres and producing 240kW and 450Nm.

An eight-speed auto is used on Australian imports, but a six-speed manual may be ordered if you really want one.

Safety

The 220i we reviewed was fitted with the BMW Driving Assistant option. This includes Lane Departure Warning and Collision Warning. Lane Departure Warning cuts in at speeds over 70km/h and alerts drivers by way of a visual signal in the instrument cluster, as well as a vibration of the steering wheel.

At speeds upwards of 15km/h Collision Warning detects if the vehicle is getting too close to traffic in front. Again it provides visual and audible warnings. The system primes the brakes in order to minimise the braking distance the moment the driver hits the pedal.

Driving

BMW 220i's road holding is superb. It points beautifully into corners at speed and is happy to change direction mid corner even if being punted hard. This is the area in which the balance provided by a set-back front engine and rear-wheel drive really makes itself felt.

Even over rough and uneven bitumen roads the car remained stable with only the gentlest of hints of body flex when we encountered harsh surfaces.

Engine performance from the 220i unit is likely to be good enough for most owners and the response from the twin-scroll turbo, though not as good as a naturally aspirated BMW engine, is certainly acceptable.

The 220i is economical as well, with us using five to six litres per hundred kilometres on easy-paced open-road driving and an impressively low seven to nine litres around town.

You can lift or drop the roof in 20 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h 

The pair of front seats support well and provide good sideway support without being overly aggressive.

Even with the longer wheelbase the new convertible is still a squeeze for rear seat passengers. The back seats are firm and fairly upright. It isn't too bad for entry and exit thanks to the wide door and front seats that slide forward.

We see the 2 Series convertible as being a two-plus-two, not a four-seater.

The boot is a useful 335 litres with the roof up, 280 with it closed - which is pretty good for this class. The ski-hatch is 450mm wide and lets you carry longer items inside the car.

Driving with the roof closed you really cannot tell this is a convertible from the decibels that infiltrate the cabin.

You can lift or drop the roof in 20 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h at the press of button.

The leather seats fitted to the 2 Series convertible have been treated with sun reflective upholstery to reduce discolouration.