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Topless stunner: 2 Series drop-top for SA

  • 2 Series Convertible for SA in 2015

  • Three petrol variants
  • To be joined by 2 Series Active Tourer
 

BMW will expand its local 2 Series portfolio with the addition of a drop-top variant in 2015 - the new 2 Series convertible.

According to BMW: “The new 2 Series Convertible is the successor to the world’s most popular open-top premium model in its class (more than 130 000 units sold).”

The new 2 Series convertible borrows heavily from its coupe sibling (launched in SA in March 2014) in terms of specification and design, though obvious tweaks were made to accommodate its fabric roof.

THREE PETROL VARIANTS

It will be joined by a new MPV derivative in South Africa – the 2 Series Active Tourer. The new MPV will mark the start of a front-wheel drive, three-cylinder era for the automaker.

Compared to the previous BMW 1 Series Convertible, its length has increased by 72mm to 4.4m, width by 26mm to 1.7m, wheelbase by 30mm to 2.6m. Luggage capacity has increased by 20 litres to 280 litres with the top open and by 30 litres to 335 with the top closed. It also has a 35mm wider rear-hatch compared to the predecessor model.

The new 2 Series convertible will be available locally in three petrol variants - M235i (240kW/450Nm), 228i (180kW/350Nm), 220i 135kW/270Nm. Unfortunately, the new 2.0-litre diesel 220d won't be coming to SA.

The rear-wheel drive convertible will be available locally in four specifications levels (Advantage, Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport), each with specific design and equipment enhancements.

Specs and details at the end of the article.

IMAGE GALLERY: 2014 BMW 2 Series convertible

The new powered fabric roof (available in black, silver and brown) opens and closes in 20 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 50km/h.

It’s equipped with BMW EfficientDynamics technology such as cir Curtains as well as stop/start, Stop/start (for both manual and auto).

Eco pro mode can be activated via the BMW driving experience control switch, including coasting function in conjunction with the auto box and has proactive driving assistant (if the Professional Navigation is specified).

LATEST IN SAFETY, CONNECTIVITY

Torsional rigidity has increased by 20%  compared to its predecessor and builds on the 1 Series’ five-star Euro NCAP crash rating with a host of safety equipment including dual front and side/head airbags and rollover protection. The new 2 Series also benefits from pedestrian protection “optimised by active bonnet and defined deformation zones".

The new convertible borrows standard equipment from its coupe sibling including BMW Professional radio (with iDrive operating system), control display with a flatscreen design and auto aircon with convertible mode.

Optional extras include leather trim with SunReflective technology (reduces surface heating in direct sunshine), satnav including touch controller and it will be the first BMW model with the option of ‘over-the-air’ navigation updates via the vehicle’s  SIM card.

Driver assistance aids include BMW ConnectedDrive which comprises anti-dazzle high-beam assistant, adaptive headlights, parking assist with reversing camera, driving assistant, speed limit Info (with ‘No Passing’ info display) and cruise control with auto braking.

In terms of connectivity, the convertible has BMW’s latest integration of smartphones and music players, traffic information, online entertainment and apps for internet-based services such as Facebook and Twitter.

BMW 2 Series convertible: SA model variants
BMW M235i convertible:
2979cc, six-cylinder in-line petrol with M Performance
Power: 240kW/450Nm
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h: 5.2 seconds (auto - 5.0 seconds)
Top speed: 250 km/h
Fuel consumption: 8.5 (7.9) litres /100km
CO2 emissions: 199 g/km (184 g/km)

BMW 228i convertible:

1997cc, four-cylinder in-line petrol with BMW TwinPower Turbo
Power: 180kW/350Nm
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 6.1 secs (auto - 6.0)
Top speed: 250 km/h
Fuel consumption: 6.8 (6.6) litres/100km
CO2 emissions: 159 g/km (154 g/km)

BMW 220i convertible:
1997cc, four-cylinder in-line petrol with TwinPower Turbo
Power: 135kW/270Nm
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 7.5 secs (auto - 7.6 seconds)
Top speed: 231 km/h (226 km/h)
Fuel consumption: 6.8 – 6.5 (6.4 – 6.2) litres/100km
CO2 emissions: 159 – 152 g/km (149 – 144 g/km)

BMW MPV FOR SA

The new 2 Series Active Tourer sees BMW introduce front-wheel-drive and three cylinder engines for the first time in its model line-up.

The new 2 Series Active Tourer will be launched in South Africa in the first quarter of 2015. It will be offered with two petrol (218i and 220i) and one diesel derivative (220d). Prices run from R378 000 to R422 000.

On the hunt for a new BMW or simply looking for a new ride? Check out Gumtree's great selection of new and used cars!
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