BMW 2 Series Convertible - reviewed

BMW’s contender in the four-seat soft-top niche is well made, well equipped and enjoyable to drive

The 2 Series Convertible is fast and entertaining to drive, and it’s comfortable too. It’s not so much fun in the back seats, however – they’re too small to be practicable for adults, and not very easy to access.

Space at the very back is better, though, with 335 litres of cargo room when the roof is in place. Getting at it through the boot opening isn’t the easiest, however.

Up front, the cabin benefits from BMW’s iDrive system, which continues to set the pace in the multimedia world. The rest of the controls are good too, as is the overall feeling of quality throughout.

It could do with being a bit more exciting to look at, though. While the dark plastics cladding the interior are certainly top-notch in terms of quality, they make it an altogether sombre affair – higher-spec models gain some brighter bits of trim, but that alone is rather a flimsy reason to spend the extra it takes to get into one.

However much you lob at it, at any rate, you’ll find yourself sitting at an angle thanks to an infuriating offset pedal box. At least that way you’re already part of the way to being fully craned round for looking over your shoulder – which is also kind of annoying, as the roof obstructs your view to the rear when it’s up.

The 2 Series Convertible comes with a range of petrol and diesel engines, none of which will disappoint. Even the entry-level three-pot units are vigorous enough, while up top the M235i is blindingly quick – as are the gearshifts from the excellent eight-speed auto box, which is available on most versions and offers a worth-the-money alternative to the less pleasing manual.

One caveat with your choice of engines is that the 218d and 220d engines are short on refinement. Noise and vibration are evident from both, which is a shame as wind and road noise are impressively well managed and buffeting with the roof down is minimal.

So too is any lack of manners on the road. The 2 Series Convertible rides smoothly, even in Britain, and steers with a good blend of ease and directness. You’d have to do something very clumsy to snap it out of line in a corner, too – rather than the rear getting lairy, the front will wash wide if you give it too much.

On the subject of too much, that’s what the M235i costs. It’s close to Boxster territory, and even with twice as many seats that’s a deal-breaker in our book.

At the top of the regular range, the M Sport model looks like a good compromise as it includes premium cabin trim, bigger alloys and its own suspension set-up. Or for value, the entry-level SE is excellent value for money – even though it’s only available with the entry level 118d diesel engine.

This is the one a business user would be going for anyway, though. And with DAB, Bluetooth, rear park assist, climate control and dusk and rain sensors, it’s well equipped for a poverty-spec model. All get plenty of safety kit, too.

In the middle of the range, Sport gives you the funkier interior (including sports seats) and Luxury adds leather. But these trims are unappealing given the size of the price walk from SE.

For this reason, you have to shop carefully when buying a 2 Series Convertible. And we’d say that if you’re shopping really carefully, you’ll probably find yourself drawn to the luxurious Audi A3 Convertible instead; this BMW has much to boast of, but over the piece its bitter rival is just that bit more complete.

John Calne is a writer for WhatCar.