MOTORING MOTORING
BMW 2-SERIES ACTIVE
the new 2-series Active tourer will, says bmW, attract many buyers from other brands, a lot of them “mature empty nesters” looking to enjoy themselves. And this new model – the first from bmW to use front wheel drive - is a great choice, offering style, brand- kudos and lower running costs. under the bonnet there’s a choice of a single petrol or diesel engine, with more choice arriving soon. the standard car is the first bmW to use front wheel drive, though there is a four wheel drive option in the pipeline. In fact, the new Active tourer starts
ROAD TESTS BY NICK FLETCHER
Our mOtOrING cOLumN, bY tHe exPerIeNceD AND AWArD WINNING mOtOrING JOurNALIst NICK FLETCHER HeLPs Our reADers cHOOse tHe best OF tHe LAtest cArs.
control, auto wipers and lights and a powered tailgate. under the bonnet sits a new
tHe NeW ActIve tOurer stArts FrOm A verY reAsONAbLe £22,125, A FIGure tHAt WILL
from a very reasonable £22,125, a figure that will concern rivals with less prestigious badges. that sum brings you a petrol powered 218i se which is actually pretty well equipped. standard kit includes alloy wheels, DAb radio and bluetooth, rear-parking sensors, dual zone climate
FORD FIESTA
recently, the Ford Fiesta became the uK’s best-selling model of all time when total sales topped 4.1 million. First launched in 1976, the Fiesta has led the small car segment in the uK for 27 of the 37 years and has been britain’s best-selling car since 2009. Fiesta prices start at just £9,995 for the minimally- equipped 3 door version, though many buyers will move up range for more doors and more standard kit. my recent test model was a 5-door Fiesta, which in style trim and with a 1.25 litre petrol engine is priced at £12,295. For that you get front, side and curtain airbags, air-conditioning, electric front windows, adjustable streering, remote locking and a radio/cD/ mP3 unit. the Fiesta scores well for its neat, attractive styling, driving smoothness, and grippy well-controlled handling. It also wins plus-points for good fuel economy and low insurance groups. though there is an excellent 99 hp ecoboost petrol engine in the range, it costs more, as does the 1.6 litre diesel unit, so the 1.25 petrol is a popular choice for those on a budget. top speed is 94 mph, the 0-60 mph
cONcerN rIvALs WItH Less PrestIGIOus bADGes
three-cylinder 134 hp engine that promises good economy and feels plenty quick enough for the family-lugging role most Active tourers will slip into - a drive over a variety of roads showed 40mpg on the strikingly clear dashboard that continues a bmW tradition of making things easier for the driver. Lighter-footed drivers
will get more - the official combined figure is 57.6 mpg. With positive steering, a commanding driving position and buttons and switches that remind you of the car’s quality every time you touch them, this new bmW is very pleasing. I also tried an automatic, diesel
powered 2-series Active tourer (from
£24,205 plus £1,685 for the auto option) and found it pulled smoothly and nippily, delivering over 50mpg on a run. In both petrol and diesel form, this new 2- series is going to win a lot of friends.
time is not quick at 16.9 seconds, but the reward for modest performance is 54.3 mpg combined. the Fiesta has a comfortable compliant ride and
a nicely balanced chassis with nimble handling and excellent composure on the corners. steering feedback is superb and helps give a great sense of control. I’d say it was the best handling supermini in the sector. sleek smart styling
gives the Fiesta a sharp purposeful look and the cabin is impressive too,
I’D sAY It WAs tHe best HANDLING suPermINI IN tHe sectOr
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