BMW 2-Series Active Tourer officially unveiled

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BMW 2-Series Active Tourer officially unveiled

A harbinger of things to come

BMW has officially unveiled the 2-Series Active Tourer ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Previewed by the Concept Active Tourer, the production model is a front-wheel drive hatchback that will have the purists howling.

Despite their disapproval, the Active Tourer is instantly recognizable as a BMW as it features a forward-slanting kidney grille, twin circular headlights and the familiar Hofmeister kink. Overview, it measures 4,342mm long, 1,800mm wide and 1,555mm tall with a wheelbase that spans 2,670mm.

The styling won't win everyone over but the Sport Line package has high-gloss black accents, special air intakes and exclusive 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels. There's also sport seats, high-gloss black trim and contrast stitching.

The Luxury Line adds high-gloss chrome grille and special 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels. The model also has a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, special seat upholstery and chrome accents.

If that isn't sporty enough, the M Sport package adds an aerodynamic body kit, a high-gloss black grille, a sport-tuned suspension (which reduces the ride height by 10mm) and 17- or 18-inch light alloy wheels. The package also includes an M leather steering wheel, specially upholstered sports seats, an anthracite roof liner and M-branded door sill plates.

Speaking of the interior, it has a driver-centric design with a ?semi-command? seating position that "provides a better overview in complex driving situations." The cabin also has a folding front passenger seat, "electroplated-look" accents and a 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat. The model can also be equipped with a head up display and BMW ConnectedDrive Services & Apps.

At launch, the Active Tourer will be available with three different engines.

The entry-level 218i has a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 136 HP (100 kW) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque - 230 Nm (169 lb-ft) with overboost. The performance isn't too impressive as the model runs from 0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds and tops out at 200 km/h (124 mph). On the bright side owners can expect to average 4.9 L/100km (57.6 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 115 g/km.

Moving up the 225i rewards buyers with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 231 HP (170 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds before hitting a top speed 235 km/h (146 mph).

Lastly, the 218d has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 150 HP (110 kW) and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the model to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 205 km/h (127 mph).

BMW will eventually offer several other variants - including a 216d, 220d and 220i - and xDrive versions of the 220d and 225i.