And so it seemed PH was on a hiatus from small BMWs for a while. We tried, honestly, but with some 2 Series specs released, we felt duty bound to share it with you.
Estoril Blue works its magic again!
4 Series
did with the 3 Series Coupe, the 2 Series replaces the 1 Coupe. Compared to the previous two-door 1 Series (E82), the 2 Series (F22, just so you know) is 30mm longer with front and rear tracks wider by 55mm and 60mm respectively.
The biggest news as far as we're concerned is that the M235i will get the option of a limited-slip differential as part of a performance kit. Furthermore, BMW's Brand and Product Strategies Senior Vice President Klaus Froehlich has promised it will be faster than the 1M Coupe round the Nurburgring. Whether 'ring times still matter is rather a contentious topic right now, but beating the 1M's 8:15 will undoubtedly make for an absurdly fast car on any road.
Predictably, the M235i's powertrain is largely similar to the M135i. Power is up slightly to 322hp whilst torque remains at 332lb ft. A slightly lower kerbweight (1,455kg versus 1,500kg for the hatch) means a tiny improvement in acceleration; 0-62mph falls by a tenth for manual and automatic models to 5.0 seconds and 4.8 seconds respectively.
The 220d and 220i produce the same 184hp, the petrol engine the same as used in the 125i but in a lower state of tune. Both models are sub-1,400kg too, at 1,375kg (220d) and 1,350kg (220i).
The leaked spec details have come from BMW South Africa, so the prices quoted shouldn't be taken as the final UK cost. However, their 503,079 Rand for an M235i is £31,500 using today's exchange rate; this makes it £1,000 more than the five-door hatch. Given a 435i is nearly £3,500 more than a 335i, we reckon 2 Series prices could climb slightly higher. The 220d will cost 393,000 Rand (£24,600) and the 220i 366,257 Rand (£22,900).
As is the BMW way, the 2 Series will spawn further spin-offs, with a cabrio confirmed and a Gran Coupe rumoured already too. The styling of the 2 Series will most probably influence the 1 Series facelift as well. Can't be a bad thing...
Finally Herr Froelich has also stated the M235i will be 'as close a spiritual successor to the 2002 ti that we've had'. BMW had teased us before with the 1 Series tii Concept, so can it deliver this time?
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