BMW 2 Series Coupe 2014 Review

Over three weeks motoring.com.au tested the full range, starting with the 220i. The entry-level 2 Series was the first BMW I've driven where the lower-output N20 TwinPower four-cylinder actually delivered brisk performance. Torque was not exactly of the 'tyre-shredding' kind, but the rear axle did hop briefly from a standing start using launch control.

The 2.0-litre petrol four faded away as it reached the upper limits of the rev range. Shifting the ZF eight-speed automatic manually led to changing up well before the redline – to take advantage of the torque in the mid-range. Around town and driven passively, the engine had plenty in reserve to keep up with traffic and maintain speeds without the transmission constantly hunting for gears. Fuel consumption was 10.7L/100km for the week.

Developing the same power as the petrol four-cylinder (but not the same torque), the 220d was closer in character to the 220i than the six-cylinder M235i, but mustered significantly more thrust at launch than the petrol four. Both the diesel and the 220i produced accessible torque to balance performance and fuel saving. Passive dynamics were very similar in both cars, with just NVH and fuel use (6.9L/100km average for the diesel) distinguishing them.

The 220d transmitted more noise to the cabin – from tyres as well as engine. At 100km/h the diesel was ticking over at around 1500rpm. There was some labouring present at that speed, and the diesel was the least refined of the three engines when the auto-stop system restarted it. Launching from a standing start the 220d broke traction easier than the 220i did, but it wasn't the unrelenting steroidal outburst of the M235i.

Where the turbo fours were all about accessible torque in the mid-range, the screaming, punchy M235i six kicked down with little prompting – even in 'EcoPro' mode. Light the wick with the launch control and the M235i delivered protracted tyre squeal in stereo. And everything happens so quickly in the M235i. You're left to savour the experience longer in the 220i – where the sequence of events won't leave you gasping for breath.

Despite the snarling six's high-revving willingness, it proved easy to drive and delivered effortless torque in the mid-range just like the 220i. At open-road speeds, the engine was subdued and fuel consumption for the week totalled 11.8L/100km, which was in the same ballpark as Benz's A45 AMG.

And when the auto-start system kicked the six-cylinder back into life, it did so with a refined rumble. In urban traffic the EcoPro mode – which is designed to conserve fuel when performance isn't required – delivered a fuel saving of over 8km for the week, according to the trip computer. That's based around roughly 150km travelled.

Where the 220i lacked sparkle in a straight line, it made amends in corners. The BMW turned in with a deftness seldom experienced even in hard-core sports cars. Highly communicative, it required little intuition to drive quickly, and with finesse. The combination of engine and capable transmission, allied with strong cornering ability and an excellent driving position, made the 220i an endearing drive in the twisty bits.

Steering was direct and precise – even with the BMW Drive Experience system set to 'Comfort' – and handling was neat and composed. Lift off the throttle and the 220i held fast, yet the handling remained neutral. Brakes were superb and the tyres emitted just the faintest protest as speed entered that dynamic zone defining the margin of safety.

The M235i was much like the 220i and 220d dynamically, except exit speeds on corners were 5-10km/h faster and the interval between corners contracted to a fraction of the time the 220i required.

The M235i felt a bit less forgiving in the ride department than the 220i and 220d, but met the standard for most prospective buyers in the market for a car of this type.

As a package, the 2 Series is certainly a smart looking car, although the doors are long and call for a little care when opening them in shopping centre car parks. From inside, the grab handle to push them wide open or pull them closed is positioned a little too far forward and that makes them a touch heavy unless you grab the storage bin below the armrest and use that instead.

Setting up the driver's seat took little time to find the ideal nexus for command and comfort. The front seats were very well bolstered to hold the occupant in place at all times, yet they were also easy to enter or leave. Electrically-adjustable lumbar support was of some actual benefit, and those a little longer in the leg can extend the base of the seat forward for further support.

The 2 Series is not really designed to accommodate more than two adults. Headroom in the rear is inadequate for adults of average size – and it will test the endurance of taller teens, as well. There's little legroom back there either... not with the driver's seat adjusted for comfort. But if the 2 Series scrimps on rear-seat accommodation, it does make up for that with a handy boot, which is surprisingly large and practical. It's fully lined and features a flat floor with cargo netting, but there's no spare wheel underneath.

But practicality issues aside, you're really buying a 2 Series for what it says about you – someone wanting a fun-to-drive machine wrapped up in a stylish design. I just wish there was a 228i model to bridge that performance divide between the fours and the M235i...