If You Can't Afford A BMW M235i, Try On This Three-Pot 218i For Size

We’re rather fond of the BMW M235i, but as you’ll need about £35k to bag yourselves one of these 322bhp six-pot beasts, they’re not what you’d call affordable. Now though, theres’s a new entry-level petrol 2-series to sit below the 220i, so 2er ownership is about to become a bit more affordable.

To create this model, BMW has dropped in the 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine also seen in the 2-series Active Tourer, the Mini Cooper, and - in a much more powerful guise - the i8.

As the 2-series is a bit of a porker - much of the range sits around the 1500kg mark - it’s not hugely quick, 0-62mph takes a leisurely 8.8 seconds. However it is decently economical with an average MPG figure of 55, and with that lower power output you can enjoy the 2er’s fine chassis without fear of crashing. We can only hope the engine’s a little more responsive in the 2-series than it is in the Mini and the Active Tourer, though, where it’s a bit limp.

This 218i - along with a new four-wheel drive diesel 220d xDrive - will be available for order from March next year. Prices will be announced in January.