Always wanted a convertible but not sure you’ll be able to convince your fleet manager?
It looks like BMW has the answer: the new 2 Series Convertible.
Launched last month, the German firm’s latest soft-top is the third model in the company‘s 2 Series line-up and comes to market as a direct replacement for the 1 Series Convertible.
At launch the new car is available with a choice of four engines. Fuel economy improvements over the previous model average 18 percent and CO2 emissions have been greatly improved too.
The big news here is the new 2-litre EU6 diesel engine fitted to the 220d. This develops 14bhp and 50Nm of torque more than the previous unit, while the average claimed fuel economy is 60.1mpg with the six-speed manual transmission or 64mpg with the eight-speed automatic gearbox which is optional on every model.
Crucially for company car drivers, CO2 emissions are as low as 113g/km, meaning a 20 percent BIK tax band for the 2015/16 tax year. With a P11D price of £31,460 this equates to a monthly tax bill of £104.87 for a 20 percent payer.
Likely to be the popular company car choice, the 220d Sport model when paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission has 187bhp and 400Nm of torque on offer.
EfficientDynamics features come on every model which include lightweight body engineering, automatic start-stop, brake energy regeneration and a specific ECO PRO driving mode.
More space than before
The new BMW 2 Series convertible is 72mm longer and 26mm wider than the model it replaces, with a wheelbase which has been elongated by 30mm. This means more passenger space than before and more room for those in the back to get in and out. Luggage space has also increased by 30 litres to 335 litres, making it, according to BMW, the largest boot in its class. It only measures 220 litres with the roof down, though.
Its electrically-operated folding soft top lowers or raises in 19 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 30mph.
More kit as standard
Entry-level SE models will be available at a later date, but from launch the 2 Series Convertible can be specified in Sport, Luxury and M Sport trims, while the 228i engine option is offered in M Sport only and the M235i has its own unique specification.
Standard specification on all models include alloy wheels, Bluetooth, automatic air conditioning, DAB radio, Drive Performance Control, Keyless go, a Sport instrument cluster, dual dark chrome exhaust tailpipes for 220i and 220d Sport models, Sports seats and a Sport multi-function leather steering wheel.
For the first time on any BMW, a new Professional navigation system can be added as an option which updates navigation data for free and wirelessly through the built-in SIM card.
Safety kit has also been greatly enhanced over the previous model through a combination of a more rigid body and advanced safety features like lane departure warning systems, collision prevention systems and parking assistance systems which can be added as options.
To find out more read our full review of the new BMW 2 Series Convertible here.
