Page 13 - Motoring Issue 1 2021

BMW TEST REVIEW

B BMMWW 221188ii GGRRAANN CCOOUUPPEE

orm over function, style over practicality,
it's always personal choice that makes
Fthe final decision.
This may apply in all areas of life, but it is
so much more apparent in car styling in
today's world. In this instance, it is the turn of
the BMW baby ranges: the 1 Series hatch vs
the recently-launched 2 Series Gran Coupe.
Yes, the latter is another of the currently
popular sedan/coupe models that, in my
opinion, translates into one of the most stylish
automotive looks available today.
The question is, how much are you willing
to compromise in the interests of style? In the
case of the 2 Series Gran Coupe, if you are
going to carry rear passengers on a regular
basis, then you may have to think very favourite twisty route to Hartebeespoort. Certainly from the driver’s seat, this is
carefully. Little ones are fine, but especially a typical and familiar BMW, and that's no complaint. They always feel that little
headroom is at a premium here for adults. bit sporty, even when powered by their smallest engine option.
The test car was powered by the now At the end of the day, the questions remain: What look do you prefer? Do
familiar 1.5l 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine that you need rear seat space and is the styling preference worth a R35 000
delivers 103kW and 220Nm to the front wheels premium over the hatch version? This is a choice I leave to you, but I must
through an ultra-smooth 7-speed dual-clutch admit that I personally love the sedan/coupe body style.
automatic transmission. Multi-modes are The 218i Gran Coupe currently carries a base price of R562 320 before
included too. extras and this includes the standard BMW 5-year/100 000km MotorPlan. n
In Gran Coupe format, I felt that the car
was even smoother than its hatch sibling and Use this link to see our video:
it was sporty and comfortable through our https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFoSYvvi4XI

MOTORING | Issue 1, 2021 | 11