Should you buy one?

The elephant in the room is the styling. Its tall shape is great for headroom and sitting in, but it doesn’t lend itself to a desirable silhouette.

BMW’s continued use of the MPV shape is a win for sensibility in the face of the SUVs pretty much taking over this segment.

If you’re after an MPV, and not an SUV, the 2 Series Active Tourer is easy to recommend, and you should buy one. Importantly, it’s better to drive and has a nicer interior than a Mercedes B-Class or Citroen C4 and it’s a bit more practical than an Audi Q2.

What we like

The level of standard equipment is excellent and the tech top-notch. Broadly, the interior is a lovely place to spend time too and the new infotainment is swish and easy to use.

Of course it’s practical too. Getting in and out is a doddle and loading people into the rear is equally as easy.

What we don’t like

Its looks are a bit 2009 and the ride can be bumpy at low speeds. The PHEV is impressive but pricey, plus we wonder how many people really want a 330hp MPV?

Then there’s the infotainment. It’s super modern and is broadly easy to use, but how much tech does a typical MPV buyer want?

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