It may look unfamiliar, but '2 Series' is a BMW range we'll have to get used to seeing a lot more of. Following the
leaked images
earlier today, full UK spec details have been released by BMW on its 1 Series Coupe replacement.
The optional LSD should help out here
Except that, like the 4 and 3 Series, the 2 isn't exactly a direct successor. Not only is it longer (by 72mm) and wider (by 26mm) than the outgoing two-door 1 Series, the switch from 1 to 2 brings new styling features to mark it out from the hatch.
From the front, the more angular headlights make the 2 Series look more aggressive than the rather gawky 1 Series. Expect that on the hatch when the facelift comes. Elsewhere, the 2 appears very much the shrunken 4 Series it imitates.
The rear of the 2 Series is described as a 'broad and powerful affair'. Indeed. Here the mini 4 Series look is perhaps slightly less successful, the sleekness of that car replaced with a rather chunkier look. Still, it certainly avoids the occasionally tall and ungainly appearance of the hatch.
Token image of the one that will actually sell
The M235i is inevitably the 2 Series that will be discussed most, so let's start there. Power from the 3.0-litre straight-six is fractionally up on the M135i hatch at 326hp, with the same 332lb ft of torque. Kerbweight is down slightly at 1,450kg.
It's the limited-slip differential option that's really grabbed our attention. The M Performance LSD 'optimises traction in suitably dynamic driving situations' in BMW speak. To us, it should allow the traction issues sometimes discussed with the 1 Series to be alleviated. And be good for skids, of course.
The standard 2 Series range features 220d and 220i variants from launch, with a 218d and 225d to follow. The 225d is auto-only, the others coming as standard with a six-speed manual. Full spec details on the 20i, 25d and M235i are below; suffice to say the figures stack up very competitively against its rivals.
Is that a wheel of sensible thickness we see?
As is the BMW way now, there's a healthy roster of extras for the 2 Series. Conveniently enough, the regular 2 Series looks a little staid when seen against the M235i, which will undoubtedly make the M Sport add-ons look more appealing. There are also two brake upgrades (M Sport and M Performance) and the variable sport steering to consider, plus the option of adaptive dampers. An M Performance sports suspension kit brings a 20mm drop in ride height thanks to new springs. It's an extensive options list, let's put it that way.
The inside is standard 1 Series fare, again with a plethora of extras available. That's once you've chosen from SE, Sport, Modern and M Sport specifications, don't forget.
The initial sub-£30K list price of the M135i was definitely its biggest talking point. At £34,250,the M235i still looks good value, even if it won't grab the headlines like the hatch. For reference, that's £2,255 more than a GT-spec 370Z. The VW Scirocco R is £31,735, and the Peugeot RCZ R is expected to be in that area too. Both are significantly less powerful than the M235i. The kind-of coupe Mercedes CLA should be considered also; the 45 AMG starts at £41,845.
The 220i SE and 220d SE will cost £25,040 and £25,865 respectively, with the three launch models beginning sales on March 8 next year. No doubt the cabrio, Gran Coupe, GT, and 4WD cars are on the way too!