ON FRONT PAG E N O R T H E AST V I C TO R I A , A L P S A N D H I G H CO U N T RY
AUGUST 14-20 | 2015
> available online - www.nemedia.com.au
BMW’s 220i BMW 220I: The classy convertible has a wide, purposeful stance. BMW 2 Series in convertible format is a pure BMW in the eyes of those who love the upmarket German marque. That’s because it has rear-wheel drive and is offered with a straight-six engine. Though it shares its ‘2 Series’ numbering system with some new BMW models that have a transverse engine and front-wheel-drive we can assure keen drivers the 220i convertible and its coupe brothers have a differential just where you want it - between the rear wheels. The new BMW 2 Series convertible replaced the open-top BMW 1 Series early this year.
is the real deal ROAD TEST: EWAN KENNEDY Inside, the company’s newest convertible has the important large dials under a shroud directly in front of the driver and a sweeping dash done in quality materials that live up to the company’s image. The infotainment screen sits in the centre of the dash and is deeper than in some other recent models - we find it more usable because of that. The optional BMW ConnectedDrive Services package in our review car provided telephone and internet-based services, other innovative functions can be integrated into the car’s operating
system via apps. BMW 220i and 228i have different variants of a four-cylinder 2.0-litre TwinPower turbo-petrol engine. This uses a twin-scroll turbo, not two turbochargers as the name may suggest. Our 220i test car had a power output of 135 kW and produced 270 Nm from 1250 to 4500 rpm - a nice spread that will have most owners at the torque peak most of the time. The M325i uses a TwinPower sixcylinder unit displacing 3.0 litres and producing 240 kW and 450 Nm. An eight-speed auto is used on Australian imports, but a six-speed manual may be
ordered if you really want one. The 220i we reviewed was fitted with the BMW Driving Assistant option. This includes Lane Departure Warning and Collision Warning. BMW 220i’s road holding is superb. It points beautifully into corners at speed and is happy to change direction mid corner even if being punted hard. This is the area in which the balance provided by a set-back front engine and rear-wheel drive really makes itself felt. Even over rough and uneven bitumen roads the car remained stable with only the gentlest of hints of body flex when we encountered harsh surfaces.
Continued page 2
ONE MILE
MOTORS ABN 44 048 105 609 LMCT 1060
10 Templeton Street, Wangaratta Paul Davenport 0408 057 837 Michael Henderson 0418 512 531 Kylie Stevenson 0428 215 677 Noel Gilbert 0438 597 200
(03) 5721 5677 www.onemilemotors.com.au