This is the third evolution...
This is the third evolution of the popular hatch, and in terms of sales it will be the most important model in the line-up. Every part of the car has been revised, and it"s clear to see from the mag"s pictures that inspiration has come from the M탩gane, Modus and Vel Satis. The most striking design feature is at the back, with a vertical crease running down the centre of the tailgate.
The model is certainly...
The model is certainly much more conventional than the hatchback, which has had a mixed reception across Europe. Inside, the 2 will share the 1"s dash and front cabin, but the rear seat will be modified to take only two people. The car will get a conventional boot, meaning luggage capacity will be considerably smaller than that of the 1-Series.
The German firm has trademarked the names 216i, 220i, 225i, 218d and 220d in Europe and the USA, and is expected to launch the cars in 2006. More interestingly, it"s also registered M1 and M2, and these should be among the fastest BMWs ever, with 300bhp 3.0-litre straight-six motors.
Insiders have also hinted that a mid-engined performance model, based on the 1-Series, is under consideration, too. These hot cars won"t appear until late 2007, though. Meanwhile, the 2-Series range will kick off with a 1.6-litre entry-level machine, using the 116i"s 115bhp four-cylinder unit. A more powerful 150bhp 2.0 petrol model will also be offered, along with 2.0-litre diesels producing 122bhp or 163bhp. These will be called the 218d and 220d.
The 225i is anticipated to debut BMW"s all-new 2.4-litre four-cylinder Valvetronic engine, which will develop around 220bhp. All cars except the entry-level 216i will come with a choice of six-speed manual or semi-automatic transmissions, while the base model will have a five-speed gearbox.
BMW plans for the 2 range to cost about í‚á£1,000 more than the 1-Series across the board, while a cabriolet is also expected to appear in 2007, possibly with a folding metal roof. The separation of the hatch and coup탩 models into the 1 and 2-Series is set to continue elsewhere at BMW. The next-generation 3-Series Coup탩 will probably be badged the 4-Series.