ACTIVELY DIFFERENT(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 38

Once BMW's frumpiest model, the 2 Series Active Tourer 5-seat MPV now has a much more fashionable vibe. Yet it's even more practical - and quite a lot cleverer too. A bit of a transformation's taken place here.

Background word count: 161

A brand new five-seat MPV people carrier design is rare indeed these days, especially if it isn't based on a van. But that's what we've got here in the sleeker shape of BMW's second generation 2 Series Active Tourer. Most of the volume brands have pulled out of this segment but the competitor model this Munich maker most cares about, the Mercedes B-Class, still does enough business in this sector to justify giving the Active Tourer model line a second crack at sales success. As before, the '2 Series' name is slightly misleading; this car has nothing in common with the rear-driven 2 Series Coupe. Instead, like its predecessor, this Active Tourer uses the front-driven FAAR architecture found in the BMW X1 and the MINI Countryman, the same platform chosen for the four-door 2 Series Gran Coupe. This time round though, the rather frumpy looks of the first generation Active Tourer have been swapped for something with a dash more panache.

Driving Experience word count: 219

You'd expect plenty of electrified tech in the engine range - and you shouldn't be disappointed. There's no full-EV or full-Hybrid, but both the conventional petrol engines get the brand's 48V mild hybrid embellishment. The system's starter generator provides a 19hp boost in power. There's a choice of a 170hp 1.5-litre three cylinder unit (the 220i model), or a 218hp 2.0-litre powerplant (the 223i). The conventional 218d variant with a 150hp 2.0-litre diesel features in the range too. As do a couple of three cylinder petrol plug-in hybrids, offering either 245hp (the 225e xDrive) or 326hp (the 230e xDrive), with both claiming an impressive all-electric driving range of up to 49 miles. All the powerplants on offer are mated to 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch auto transmission. Whatever your choice of engine, BMW reckons you'll find this second generation model a lot more engaging to drive, thanks to extensive chassis revisions, sharper steering response and a fresh 3-link rear suspension setup. 'M Sport'-trimmed models also get Adaptive M Sport suspension, which has a 15mm drop in ride height, plus there's a quicker steering rack. Different drive modes can be selected through the iDrive 'My Modes' menu, the options being 'Efficient', 'Sport' and 'Personal'. Across the range, sleek aerodynamics should lower wind noise at speed. And a wider track will improve handling.