Yet another niche-busting BMW?
Not really. This is the replacement for the old 1-Series Convertible. And, spoiler alert, it's a whole lot better. Sharper to drive, for a start.
And the 2-Series Convertible is roomier, yet it doesn't look so much like a bathtub. That's not just because it's wider and longer, but it has wedgier styling that emphasises the rear wheel-arches.
But why not a folding hard-top?
Cost, weight and size. Having a folding hardtop instead of this soft roof would add another 100kg or so. And it would take up nearly all the boot.
The folding hardtop in the 4-Series brings all sorts of disadvantages, and it would be even harder to package in the shorter 2-Series.
Does the cloth top do the job, then?
This roof has five layers in all, so it's warm and pretty well as quiet as the 2-Series Coupe. You don't see as many vandalised convertibles as you used to, the nation's low-lives presumably being too busy nicking phones.
So how does this roof work?
It's entirely powered, and snuggles down flush under a hinged cover in 20 seconds. Press the button and it'll keep doing its thing even as you drive, provided you stay below 30mph.
In fact it has been tested to work in a 30mph headwind, so that's the equivalent of 60mph, but the electronics don't let you try that stunt. With the side windows up, the open cockpit isn't too blustery even at motorway speed, and the optional wind-blocker calms the draughts right down.
Roof folded, the boot gets a bit smaller, but it's still useful and accessible. And the rear seats fold so you can poke long items (BMW with tedious predictability cites a pair of golf bags) through the bulkhead. But definitely not a fridge or wardrobe.
When the seats are up, there's room for two, just, but shoulder-width back there is badly constricted. It's more of a generous 2+2 than a tight four-seater.
I'm guessing the decapitated shell is a bit floppy?
Not at all. Even on lumpy roads, there's barely a shiver through the body. Again, an improvement over the old 1-Series soft-top. Most of the time it feels extremely rigid, so the dynamics of the 2-Series shine through.
Meaning?
Well, I'm in the 228i. It moves with grace, and when you push on through a bend it's happy to have a bit of a laugh. Steering is natural, handling balance neutral and damping confident.
Thankfully it feels more agile and connected than most BMWs, which have become a bit remote in recent years. The 2.0-litre engine (part of the familiar N20 family, not the new B-series) sounds purposeful and smooth enough at high revs, but a bit drab in normal use.
Any other engines?
The 220d engine is from the new family, so it's very efficient - down to 108g/km with the autobox, but up to 190bhp. There's also a 220i.
But the killer will be the M235i. Prices scrape under £30k for the 220i and 220d, and run to £37,710 for the M235i. That's a hefty £3k more than the coupes.
Hmm, a 326bhp rear-drive convertible, just in time for the snow. Are they mad?
They thought of that, although again the timing is daffy. From summer onward you can get that one with optional rear-biased 4WD. Quite the year-round car.
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