BMW spreads triple

BMW has provided the first evidence of its intention to power a range of models with its new three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine by announcing the new 218i Coupe, fitted with the same turbo-triple as the 218i Active Tourer and new MINI.

The 1.5-litre three-cylinder 218i Coupe goes on sale in Europe in March and could also join BMW Australia's 2 Series Coupe line-up, positioned below the current entry-level 220i (from $51,000).

Like the MINI Cooper and BMW 218i Active Tourer, the 218i Coupe outputs 100kW of power and 220Nm of torque (the latter from just 1250rpm), which BMW says is enough to accelerate the two-door to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds with a six-speed manual gearbox (the eight-speed auto is one-tenth slower). Top speed for both models is 212km/h.

Unlike the Cooper and 2 Series people-mover, however, the turbo-triple in the 218i Coupe is mounted longitudinally and powers its rear wheels, resulting in what BMW says is front/rear weight distribution of nearly 50/50.

Naturally, greater efficiency is the reason for the 218i Coupe's being, however, with fuel consumption rated as low as 5.1L/100km for both transmissions.

That makes it more frugal than the more powerful (135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol) 220i, which consumes 6.0L/100km but can sprint to 100km/h in seven seconds flat.

At the same time, BMW has also released a new all-wheel drive diesel version of the 2 Series Coupe in Europe. The 220d xDrive Coupe sips as little as 4.3L/100km but is unlikely to be sold here.

Like other models BMW models, the 2 Series Coupe is now also available in Germany with Advantage, Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport equipment grades.

As we've reported, the new BMW triple will be rolled out in Australia by mid-2015, most likely in the 1 Series hatch and 3 Series sedan/wagon ranges.