Launch Drive: BMW 2-Series Convertible

While the BMW X5 M and X6M perhaps stole the thunder during our brief visit to Cape Town, I must confess it was the new 2-Series Convertible that I was keen to see. With the backs-to-the- wall heroics of charging up and down Franschhoek Pass behind us and the need for speed satisfied, it was time for a “relatively” more relaxed ride. I say relatively, because the 2-Series Convertible lineup is pretty potent in its own right. There are three models available — the 220i, 228i and M235i. All will have petrol powerplants with a choice of either 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearboxes. The entry-level 220i — which starts at R486 500 — has a 2-litre engine good for a respectable 135kW; the 228i (R525000) has the same 2-litre engine tuned for 180kW, while the top- end M235i (R643 500) amps things up with a 3-litre powerplant churning out a muscled 240kW. It’s worth noting that the M235i is the first convertible to join the envied BMW M club.

Model variants are the Advantage, Luxury Line, Sport Line and MSport, each with a specific exterior and interior design as well as equipment features. In every department the new 2-Series is bigger than the 1-Series convertible it replaces — length increases by 72mm, width 26mm and wheelbase 30mm. Viewed on their own those figures might not seem significant, but add them together and the result is quite noticeable. The exterior proportions are typically BMW, with short overhangs and a long bonnet, while the relatively squat stance (a drop of 10mm for the M version) and sweeping lines give it that sporty appearance. Also sticking to tradition, this new vehicle keeps the electrically-powered fabric top — with a choice of three colours — which opens and closes in 20 seconds and at speeds of up to 50km/h.

And of course there are those familiar BMW touches, from surface materials to instrument panels; centre console to trims. Not happy with one of the trim packages available? Then you can mix and match for that ideal combination of technology and comfort. Spending a bit too much time over lunch in the idyllic setting of the Steenberg Estate, I had no option but to take the 220i for the afternoon drive. With the roof down and Cape Town providing perfect weather, we wound our way out towards Somerset West and then on to Gordon’s Bay — a drive that takes in scenery equal to anywhere in the world. The car, with its six-speed manual gearbox, offered an extremely pleasant ride, and it was good to reacquaint myself with some of the standard features this vehicle comes with. A problem often associated with convertibles is the lack of boot space when the roof is folded away, but even with the soft-top open, capacity is 280 litres.

It certainly wouldn’t have been a good end to the day, but if the car had rolled over, two high-strength aluminium protective bars be- hind the rear head restraints would have popped up in milliseconds to protect the occupants. Thankfully, we never put this feature to the test, but what we did manage to play around with was the Driving Experience Control switch, which allows you to adjust the car’s suspension. Three settings are on offer: the traditional Comfort, Sport and ECO PRO. A feature with the automatic climate control system is the “convertible mode” which takes into account car speed with the roof down and makes adjustments to the cabin temperature. In other words, it can be as hot as hell outside, but as cool as an icicle in the cabin.

Also standard across the range is a more than useful radio with CD player, six speakers, USB and Bluetooth audio streaming. The 2-litre engine in the 220i felt more than adequate as we cruised about. Acceleration was sharp along the winding roads of Gordon’s Bay and short, sharp changes on the six-speed box are carried out with a minimum of fuss. This particular model has a high revving ability without making you feel like you are pushing it too hard. In fact, even with some very spirited driving, we still managed to return an excellent fuel figure of 8.ll/100km.

The Facts: 2015 BMW 2-Series

BMW 220i

Engine: 1 997cc 4 cylinder

Power: 135kW at 5 000-6 250rpm

Torque: 270Nm at 1 250-4 500rpm

0 -100km/h: 7.5 seconds manual; 7.6 seconds automatic

Top speed: 231km/h manual; 226km/h automatic

Fuel: 6.5l/100km manual; 6.2l/100km automatic

CO2: 152g/km manual; 144g/km automatic

Price: R486 500 manual; R504 500 automatic

BMW 228i

Engine: 1 997cc 4 cylinder

Power: 180kW at 5 000-6 500rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 1 250-4 800rpm

0-100km/h: 6.1 seconds manual; 6.0 seconds automatic

Top speed: 250km/h

Fuel: 7.0l/ 100km manual; 6.7l/ 100km automatic

CO2: 163g/km manual; 157g/km automatic

Price: R525 000 manual; R543 000 automatic

BMW M235i

Engine: 2979cc 6 cylinder

Power: 240kW at 5 800-6 000rpm

Torque: 450Nm at 1 300-4 500rpm

0-100km/h: 5.2 seconds manual; 5.0 seconds automatic

Top speed: 250km/h

Fuel: 8.5l/100km manual; 7.9l/100km automatic

CO2: 199g/km manual; 184g/km automatic

Price: R643 500 manual; R663 600 automatic

-Bruce Fraser