BMW 2 Series Active Tourer review

From £27,040

A charmless people carrier that's not a true BMW, although it is roomy, practical and reasonably entertaining to drive.

  • BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
  • For: Interior quality, flexibility, image
  • Against: Drab styling, dull to drive, feels dated
  • Verdict: A great small MPV, but only a good BMW – the X1 is better

The purists choked on their premium German beer when BMW announced it was building a people carrier. Worse still, it would be driven through the front wheels.

Launched in 2014 and facelifted in 2018, time hasn’t been kind to the 2 Series Active Tourer’s styling, while many buyers have since migrated from small MPVs to an SUV.

Not that this means you should dismiss the Active Tourer as an irrelevance. In fact, it offers practicality and flexibility that an off-roader can only dream of, while the BMW badge cuts a dash in a rather humdrum sector.

You also get the benefit of BMW build quality, plus a classy interior that’s far from dull.

There are four trim levels to choose from: SE, Sport, Luxury and M Sport. There’s also a line-up of efficient engines, including a 225xe plug-in hybrid, which features a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine and an electric motor.

KEY INFO

  • Launched: 2014
  • Facelifted: 2018
  • Due for replacement: 2021
Specs
Model: BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
Prices from: £27,040
Engines: 1.5T, 2.0T, 1.5d, 2.0d 150/190, 1.5T PHEV
Fuel type:
Gearboxes: 6-speed manual, 8-speed auto
Bodystyles: MPV
Trims: SE, Sport, Luxury, M Sport
Euro NCAP:
(2014)
Power: 116-224 hp
0-62mph: 6.7-10.6 seconds
Fuel economy: 38.2-58.9 mpg
CO2: 38-156 g/km
Dimensions (l/w/h): 4,342/1,800/1,555
Boot capacity: 468 litres
Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited miles

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