The 2 Series Convertible joins the 2 Series range as a standalone model. Can a folding fabric roof win over your heart and more importantly your pocket?

What you see here is the new BMW 2 Series Convertible, and a quick recap for those who aren’t quite up to speed with BMWs nomenclature, the 2 Series replaces the 1 Series Coupe/Convertible, as a standalone model.  In essence all odd numbers in the range (1,3,5,7) have four doors and all even numbers (2,4,6) have two doors in coupe or convertible guise. Of course BMWs confuses things further with four-door coupe models such as the 4/6 Series Gran Coupe, but that’s a discussion for another day.

The 2 Series Convertible joins the 2 Series Coupe model, and yup, as you guessed it, has the ability to ‘drop its top’ via a snazzy folding fabric roof as opposed to a folding hard-top which has become popular in the industry. It manages this feat in just 20 seconds and up to speeds of 50km/h. Why fabric? Well, a traditional fabric roof is cheaper to manufacture, has fewer moving parts and is significantly lighter, and in my opinion, better looking.

Brrr, it’s a bit chilly for a convertible isn’t it?

Traditionally South Africa isn’t a huge market for convertibles and the answer to why it isn’t, is very simple: It’s just too hot most of the time. If you look at European markets where convertibles enjoy a sizeable market share – and who also have a far colder climate – a South African Autumn is probably the best time of the year to drive a convertible, especially in Durban.

I’ll be honest I’m not a fan of convertibles and to be honest I’m not the desired target market, but in interests of formulating a good honest opinion, I took advantage of the perfect conditions over the weekend and spent the better part of driving the 2 Series, with the roof stowed away in the boot. Thankfully the fabric roof takes up less space than a folding hardtop and as such even with the roof folded away, there is a useable boot space of 280-litres.

With the winter approaching and mercury dropping, the 2 Series Convertible does have a trick up its sleeve to keep you warm and cosy even if you do have the top down. Convertible mode activates automatically with the roof down and takes into account your speed and makes adjustments to the onboard temperature and ventilation. For example, at higher speeds the intensity of the cooling or heating effect is increased by the climate control in order to ensure the in-car temperature stays just to your liking.

Speaking of speed. What lurks beneath that bonnet?

A 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder making 135kW and 270Nm of torque powers the 2 Series 220i Convertible driving the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Thumb the starter button on a cold autumn morning and the 4-cylinder does a remarkable diesel engine rendition, thankfully settling into a quitter thrum after warming up. It’s never particularly sporty sounding though.

I’ll be honest, I found this particular engine unremarkable. Adequate, but unremarkable. Harsh no doubt, and probably attributed to how spoilt we were with the sublime 6-cylinder BMW engines of yore, which were a physical and aural pleasure. Perhaps its also the seductive nature of the 2 Series’ design which is somewhat let down by the vanilla engine performance. Sure the flagship M235i is the one to choose if money is no object with its blown 3.0-litre straight-six but, at R651 605.00 that’s a whopping R127 343.00 premium to pay for aural delight.

No, the 220i’s engine is more than enough and my criticisms are most likely overly harsh. And for 90% of buyers the 220i’s performance is more than enough for their boulevard cruising requirements, rather than out-and-out performance.

The 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox on the other hand is a gem. Totally unobtrusive in operation transferring ratios smoother and quicker than James Bond on the draw, it always seems to find the appropriate gear, even when decelerating downhill and with a flick of finger you can ‘take over’ and manually select gears via the steering wheel shifters.

An interesting fact form the press release:

“The predictive shift strategy based on navigation data: In cars equipped with a navigation system – even when route guidance is not active – it ensures that gear changes are timed precisely according to the driving situation at hand. Based on navigation data, the gearbox identifies and takes into account an approaching corner, intersection, roundabout or motorway slip road. If the vehicle is approaching an intersection or a bend, for example, it changes down early to the most appropriate gear, making optimum use of the engine braking effect.”

No one buys a 2-door convertible with practical intensions and while the 2 Series sells itself as 2+2 seater, in real life it is more of a two seater with extra luggage space in the rear. You could fit two kiddies in the back or one adult sitting side-saddle but getting rear passengers in and out is such a pain, you’re never going to want to do it very often.

And on the tech front?

As is German tradition the 2 Series’ interior is exemplary in terms of fit and finish and if you’ve spent any length of time in any other BMW in the range, you’ll immediately feel at home in the 2 Series. Standard equipment across the 2 Series Convertible range includes the a ‘Professional’ radio with CD player, six loudspeakers, a USB interface and Bluetooth audio streaming as well as the BMW iDrive operating system, displayed via a 6.5 or 8.8-inch flatscreen.

My test unit was equipped with the Luxury line package which adds a few decorative chrome trimmings on the fog light surrounds, door sills and exhaust tailpipe. You also get 18-inch light alloy wheels and park distance control front and rear. Inside the sport steering wheel and top of the dashboard are trimmed in black leather with other trim finishes in brushed aluminium or wood. My test unit featured a lovely ‘terra’ brown leather upholstery for the seats which looks a lot better than it sounds.

Let’s wrap this up.

So you’re in the market for a premium compact convertible, is there anything else you should look at besides the R524 262.00 BMW 2 Series Convertible 220i? Sure, the Audi A3 Convertible 1.8T SE is worth well worth a look, and at R491 000 you’d save a full R33k and with near identical performance and equipment levels, perhaps the only thing missing is the red and blue propeller on its bonnet.

But something tells me if you’re in the market for this type of car, you’ve probably already made up your mind.

Thumbs up:
Looks sexy (if you’re into that)
Beautifully crafted interior
8-speed auto is sublime

Thumbs down:
So many options
VERY expensive