It cannot be denied that only a certain (probably quite small) slice of current BMW drivers bought their car because it was acknowledged as being competent to drive, low slung and rear-wheel driven – enthusiast reasons. The reason for buying one now is the badge, the perceived quality and the efficiency of the diesels above all else, while admittedly some like the way other (lesser) cars get out of the way of their trademark split grille and daytime running lights.

This means the new 2-Series Active Tourer will tap into the same buyer base as the other, traditional RWD models. For instance, someone went out and bought the 1-Series purely because it was the cheapest BMW they could get, yet they never really got along with it quoting space and winter driving quibbles – the people for whom those are arguments don’t actually want a BMW, so the Active Tourer will be right up their econobox alley…

Make no mistake, BMW’s first MPV will be a great car to drive and be a passenger in, for what it is; they can’t afford to mess it up, and they won’t. If you’ve been in or driven any of the latest crop of MINIs, then the only thing about the Active Tourer that will surprise you is the extra interior room, and as per this WhatCar? reader preview, while being annoyed by the placement of the cupholders and the way the fake boot floor opens.

By Andrei Nedelea

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