FOR many purist BMW fans, the 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer MPV models are a little difficult to comprehend at first. The same feeling was felt when BMW first ventured into the premium SUV segment with its X Series. Success eventually came for the X Series as its capabilities proved itself over time, and BMW have now taken on a bigger challenge when both its new 2 Series MPV models.

Not only the first BMW models to adopt a front-wheel-drive layout; both the 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer stand as the brand’s debut entry into the premium sub-compact MPV segment as well. Competition here is stiff, especially against stellar rivals such as the Volkswagen Sharan, Citroen Grand C4 Picasso and the Ford S-Max. Nevertheless, the Bavarians have managed to pull things off rather well with its first attempt in this genre as we discovered after driving the range-topping 220i Gran Tourer recently.                                                                                                                                                                           For most, the 220i GT’s looks do take a while to grow on you, but it eventually will. There is plenty to be desired here such as the signature twin kidney grilles up front, the 5 Series-inspired headlights and tail lamps designs, the chiselled lines running across the doors on both sides and the stylish multi-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels. Overall, it looks just like how any BMW should, which isn’t a bad thing entirely.

Climb aboard and things start to get familiar yet again. BMW hasn’t strayed away from its signature driver-focused cockpit design in the 220i GT, and it has not lost its touch in making plush and premium cabins either. There is plenty high-end and soft-touch materials lining key areas of the cabin such as the steering wheel and dashboard, and it is finished off nicely with leather seat covers plus a novel cabin mood lighting system. Besides the run-flat tyres’ typically noticeable noise levels at higher speeds, the cabin’s overall noise suppression levels are great, feeling just as good as any other BMW model here as well.

On board, space is abundant with this MPV offering generous headroom all-round, as is legroom in the second row seats. Complementing that are BMW’s array of premium creature comforts such as dual-zone automatic air conditioning with second row vents, followed by its acclaimed iDrive infotainment suite. Paired with a neat 6.5-inch display and a crisp-sounding seven-speaker hi-fi system, both the intuitive rotary knob and steering-mounted controls make it very easy for anyone to master it, with the system further offering seamless smart device integration, navigation functions and voice command ability as well.

This being the range-topping 220i Gran Tourer variant, it gains further with a pair of foldable third row seats and an extended wheelbase. The extra seats means this MPV will ferry seven people on board, at the expense of cargo space of course, whilst the latter grants increased cargo space over its smaller 218i Active Tourer sibling.  Thanks to the recline-able and slide-able second row seats, space in the third row seat is surprisingly adequate. Legroom here is a tad bit scarce for most adults, but it will easily accommodate children, making the 220i GT a sound choice for mid-sized families.

When not ferrying passengers, the 220i GT also doubles up as an excellent goods hauler. Ladies will find the powered tailgate with remote activation feature very convenient, but what we loved most here were the 40:20:40 split second row seats’ ability to fold flat down by just pressing two buttons in the boot. With both second and third row seats folded, the 220i GT’s whopping 1,905-litre maximum boot space will no doubt make those annual trips to IKEA much easier. Even with the second row seats up, and depending on how far you slide them forward, the boot still offers a decent amount of space between 645 litres to 805 litres, making it one of the most practical models BMW has ever made.

Adding further to this MPV’s overall practicality is the presence of strategically placed 12-volt sockets, which can be found in the dash, just below the second row air vents and in the boot. Needless to say, powering a multitude of devices is an easy task, making long trips less mundane especially if you have plenty of tech-savvy children. For us though, the most brilliant feature in the 220i GT’s convenience package comes from its semi-autonomous Parking Assistant feature that made side parking much easier, and we are sure this will be a hit amongst many ladies.

Again, purists BMW fans will find these ‘domesticated’ abilities awkward at first, but this quickly disappears once this BMW gets going. Power comes from BMW’s signature TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that offers 192hp and 280Nm of torque that powers the front wheels. This premium 220i GT also gains with an eight-speed automatic transmission instead of the six-speed unit found in its smaller 218i Active Tourer, offering a much smoother operation and greater efficiency as well.

Overall, the powertrain felt surprisingly perky as torque is abundant in the lower and mid rev-ranges, effortlessly hauling the 220i GT’s claimed unladen weight of 1,615kg up to speeds. As a result, the 220i GT boasts a very respectable century sprint time of 7.6 seconds as well. As far as power delivery is concerned, it feels typically German in this aspect, which is something that many of its targeted buyers will undoubtedly appreciate.

Crucially, this MPV also delivers the BMW badge’s promise of excellent drivability and handling, and it has both in abundance despite having a front-wheel-drive layout. Much of this magic comes from BMW’s experiences in developing its Mini sub-brand, resulting in this MPV’s surprisingly agile and taut handling abilities. Though the dampers offer decent levels of comfort, the 220i GT does lack some refinement in this area against its rivals, but it isn’t unbearable to say the least. There is little doubt that it will satisfy those seeking a dynamic feel to things, especially amongst folks switching up from something like a Mini Cooper or 3 Series.

The other typically German trait with the 220i GT lies in its standard array of safety features. Besides ABS brakes and electronic stability control (ESP), the 220i GT’s cabin is lined with six airbags plus two ISOFIX childseat anchors in the second row seats. It may not sound like much against some of its slightly larger rivals, but family-conscious buyers will find it very adequate, providing great peace of mind should it be tasked as a primary family mover.

It may not be as capable as most of its segment rivals in certain aspects, but it is the only one amongst the lot that offers a high degree of plush amenities with the brand’s renowned dynamic drivability. More importantly, BMW’s first ever attempt in making an MPV sees it meeting and exceeding the expectations of many when it comes to practicality and versatility, with the famed premium badge now finally within reach in a this practical and family-oriented genre.

The only challenge left is the whether one is willing to meet the BMW 220i GT’s somewhat steep asking price of RM279,800 sans insurance costs. Thankfully, the inclusion of both a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty with a five-year or 100,000km free scheduled maintenance program in said price sees the 220i GT edge over its rivals greatly here. This is definitely the MPV that many soccer moms (and dads!) would want to have.

BMW 220i Gran Tourer

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THE current generation BMW 1 Series has got all the makings of becoming an instant classic. Being the only rear-wheel-drive car in a largely front-wheel-driven segment, it offered unrivalled handling and agility. However, it was let down by its looks, not to mention the steep asking price it held on our soil being a fully imported (CBU) model.

Thankfully, the Bavarian marque has heard the cries of many, resulting in this model’s sorely needed facelift, not to mention its desirable new pricing as a locally assembled (CKD) model now too. The Malaysian-flavoured range may have shrunk to just one lone 120i M Sport variant, but after a few days helming it, the car’s brilliance is hard to refute.

The changes on the outside are indeed mild, most notable of which being the restyled headlamps, taillights and grille. Nevertheless, this has done wonders to it. In our test unit’s case though, the optional M Performance bits such as the 19-inch alloy wheels and aerokit further enhances things, and matches well with the pearlescent white paint. Though they are costly, the optional exterior bits does beg one to seriously consider forking out the extra cash.

On board, not much has changed with the cabin, which is not entirely bad news. You can opt for a more racy look though thanks to the vast array of optional M Performance interior bits you see richly laden in our test unit. Some do feel a tad bit tacky such as the carbon effect transmission console surround and strip along the dash, but some like the alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and LED-lit door sills begs one to seriously consider. Overall though, we reckon that those who fancy them would not mind spending a little more, but the standard trimming is still quite pleasing nonetheless.

As far as the basics go, this 120i M Sport has got thing rightfully in order. Amongst the creature comforts here include dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, keyless entry and engine start, an updated iDrive infotainment suite, as well as a crisp-sounding seven-speaker audio system. What we loved most here were the highly supportive seats covered in plush alcantara and premium fabrics, as well as the driver-centric layout of things signature in all BMWs.

Downsides on board are predictably few, but they are not deal-breakers. The biggest one has the be the lack of head and movement room in the rear seats, not to mention the central driveshaft tunnel’s intrusion that further reduces legroom too. Other than that, the 120i M Sport’s cabin still feels rather exquisite thanks to rich use of premium materials and fabrics, not to mention this locally assembled car’s high wind noise suppression, and the high quality fit and finish that is akin to the brand’s CBU models.

However, the 120i M Sport’s true brilliance begins to shine as soon as you get it going. Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-pot mounted up front that develops the healthy figures of 177hp and 250Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear via an eight-speed automatic, with the package further complemented with BMW’s offer of multiple selectable driving modes as well.

The claimed century sprint time stands at a respectable 7.7 seconds whilst top speed has been rated at 222km/h, which is not bad given the claimed weight of 1,395kg. True, compared to its front-driven segment rivals, the 120i M Sport is both less powerful and noticeably slower too. However, power is nothing without control, and the 120i M Sport has got that in abundance thanks to the standard-equipped M Sport suspension kit.

What you get as a result is a much more precise handling package with better turn-in ability, which complements the 120i M Sport’s highly balanced chassis further. Sweetening the deal are the acclaimed Pirelli P-Zero sports tyres wrapped around those aforementioned optional 19-inch alloys. Though they get a little noisy as the speedo needle surpasses 130km/h, one easily forgives them simply because they allow this hatch to corner as if it is on rails.

Despite being primed with stiffer and lower ‘sports’ suspension, the ride does not feel as harsh as the kit primed in the rivalling Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport. Instead, this M Sport kit is a lot more forgiving and highly compliant with very minimal body roll, making this 120i M Sport easier to live with should you task it as a daily urban driver.

Furthermore, this is one hatch that does not give you that dreaded front-wheel understeer as all its rivals does, offering a more precise cornering ability instead. And, for those brave enough to turn off all the electronic driver aids, the chance to slide the rear out with opposite steering lock during corner exit is simply irresistible.

The only ‘Achilles heel’ here is perhaps the absence of steering-mounted paddle-shifters in this locally assembled (CKD) model, which we believe would have cap off what is already a very dynamic and slick transmission to begin with. That aside, this is indeed a package any occasional or serious driving purists would lust for. Unless it is a RenaultSport Megane, you simply cannot get this much agility in a front-wheel-drive rival.

Another brilliant feat is having said said excellent handling packaged in a car that is now not only stylish and plush, but one that is also decently practical and very efficient. There are things like the Eco Pro driving mode and automatic engine idling stop-start that ensures you spend less time filling up the tank whilst the standard boot space of 360 litres is also decent, with the 60:40 split flat-folding rear seat able to extend that even further.

Best of all, unlike the CBU pre-facelift model that had starting prices between RM170,800 and RM253,800 depending on variant, this lone but refreshed locally assembled CKD model’s base price of RM219,800 sans options, road tax and registration costs holds so much more value-for-money. The icing to this cake is the inclusion of BMW’s new five-year unlimited mileage factory warranty and five-year or 100,000 km free service deal.

The only hurdle past that is the question of how much one is willing to spend for the tasty M Performance options. We reckon the larger wheels and sticky Pirelli rubber would suffice, but we leave this area to one’s own desire. Other than that, there is very little to dispute about this Beemer’s exceptionally brilliant package as a whole.

BMW 120i M Sport

• 1.6-litre turbocharged, in-line four-cylinder, direct injection petrol
• 8-speed automatic
• 177hp@4,800­ – 6,450rpm
• 250Nm@1,500 – 4,500rpm
• 7.2 seconds
• 222km/h
• 5.9 litres/100km (combined)
• RM219,800 (without options)

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