Vauxhall continues new engine roll out with brand new 2.0L Diesel

• New generation 2.0 CDTi (170PS) premiers in Insignia and Zafira Tourer
• Power density increased: fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions reduced
• Outstanding running refinement with low noise, vibration and harshness
• Selective Catalytic Reduction enables Euro 6 compliance

With 170PS and 400Nm, Vauxhall’s all-new 2.0-litre CDTi diesel engine will debut at next month’s 2014 Paris Motor Show (4^th – 19^th October).

The new state-of-the-art unit will be revealed in the Insignia and Zafria Tourer as Vauxhall continues the roll out of its new powertrain portfolio. The new engine replaces the current 2.0 CDTi (163PS) engine at the top of Vauxhall’s diesel range.

This highly efficient, Euro 6-compliant engine delivers almost five per cent more power and 14 per cent more torque while reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

The engine is also impressively quiet and smooth as a result of Vauxhall’s unwavering focus on ‘sound engineering’ measures to minimise NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). Engine noise has been reduced by five decibels.

The new engine’s power density is 85PS per litre, the same as Vauxhall’s much-lauded 1.6 CDTi ‘Whisper Diesel’ unit. Impressive torque of 400Nm is available from 1,750 to 2,500rpm, and maximum power of 170PS is accessed at just 3,750rpm.

The new 2.0 CDTi runs as clean as a petrol engine thanks to Vauxhall’s BlueInjection Selective Catalytic Reduction system. BlueInjection is an after-treatment which removes NOx from the engine’s exhaust gases.

“This sophisticated engine makes a perfect partner for our top models including Insignia and Zafira Tourer,” said Stuart Harris, Vauxhall’s Head of Carline Brand. “Its high power density, refinement and frugality place it among the very best diesels in its class.”

Available next year, the new 2.0 CDTi is the first in a new family of large diesel engines developed in-house by a global team of engineers in Turin and Rüsselsheim supported by engineers in North America. It will be manufactured at Opel/Vauxhall’s Kaiserslautern engine plant in Germany.

“This excellent new powertrain is part of the company’s €4 billion investment in product and powertrain development, which is helping to bring 23 new products and 13 new engines to market” said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “This new large diesel engine is extremely important to Vauxhall as a sizable amount of customers chose a 2.0-litre CDTi engine.”

This 2.0-litre CDTi unit is the latest step in Vauxhall’s powertrain offensive, following the introduction of all-new 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines and a 1.0-litre three cylinder petrol powertrain. 

Performance

Key to the engine’s enhanced performance are the newly-designed combustion chamber, the re-profiled intake ports and the new fuel injection system with 2,000 bar and up to 10 injections per cylinder cycle. This ensures high power, improved fuel atomisation and also contributes to quieter running. The definition of the combustion chamber alone was the subject of more than 80 computer design simulations, before the best five were finally selected for hardware development.

The VGT (variable geometry turbocharger) features an electrical actuator for the variable aspect turbine, giving a 20 per cent faster boost response than a vacuum actuator. Exceptionally compact packaging of the VGT and intercooler also minimises the air volume between the turbocharger and engine, further contributing to a fast boost pressure build up. For durability, the turbocharger is water-cooled and has an oil filter fitted at the oil inlet point to help further reduce wear in the bearing system.

The VGT and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) module have been designed as a single system for optimal efficiency. The EGR module is based around a new stainless steel radiator concept which provides a near 90 per cent cooling efficiency. An integrated, water-cooled EGR bypass valve minimises pressure drop and its closed loop control offers a significant improvement in NOx/PM trade-off under transient driving conditions, while improving the management of HC and CO emissions.

Improved NVH

A consistent improvement in NVH characteristics under all operating conditions was a key requirement for the new engine right from the outset of its design. Several CAE acoustic optimisation loops were executed on each component and sub-system even before the first prototype engines were built.

Architectural improvements focused on two high noise emitting areas at the top and bottom of the engine. A new aluminium cylinder head design, including the addition of a decoupled, plastic cam cover with isolated fixings and a sealing gasket, improves noise attenuation. And the intake manifold is also wrapped in a single shell cover made of sound-absorbing material.

At the bottom of the engine, a new balancer shaft module is fitted, made of high pressure die-cast aluminium. It houses two counter-rotating shafts which offset up to 83 per cent of secondary order engine vibrations. A helical gear on the crankshaft drives one of the balancer shafts, which is geared to drive the other shaft. Scissor gear control ensures smooth gear teeth meshing, and the elimination of a drive chain removes the risk of rattle noise. After detailed analysis, plain instead of roller bearings were preferred for the balancer shafts to further reduce NVH, as well as weight.

The design of the oil pan is also new. The previous single piece solution is now replaced by a two piece design, with a lower sheet metal pan fixed to an upper section in high pressure, die-cast aluminium. NVH performance was further improved by several analysis loops to acoustically optimise the internal and external ribs of both sections.

Other detailed sound engineering measures to reduce operating noise include:

• Optimised fuel injection patterns for reduced combustion noise without compromising fuel economy; acoustically-designed ribs in the cast iron cylinder block; individual balancing of the VGT compressor and turbine wheels; improved teeth-meshing on the timing belt and decoupled mounting points for its cover.
• As a result of all these design features, the new engine emits less noise than its predecessor throughout its operating range, and is five decibels quieter at idle.  

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

The new 2.0 CDTi with Vauxhall’s BlueInjection SCR system assures compliance with Euro 6 emissions standards effective September 2015. 

BlueInjection is an after-treatment which removes NOx from the engine’s exhaust gases. Tiny quantities of AdBlue, a harmless fluid consisting of urea and water, are injected into the exhaust gas flow ahead of the SCR catalyst and downstream of the diesel particulate filter. The solution is immediately converted into ammonia, which is absorbed by the SCR catalyst. Nitrogen oxide in the passing exhaust gas is then selectively reduced to harmless nitrogen and water vapor in a chemical reaction with the ammonia.

The AdBlue solution, available at filling stations and Vauxhall dealerships, is stored in a tank, which can be topped up as required via a nozzle adjacent to the vehicle’s fuel filler cap.

JLR invests in two ‘Centres of Excellence for Engine Combustion Research’ at the University of Oxford & University College London

• Jaguar Land Rover invests in two new ‘Centres of Excellence for Engine Combustion Research’ at the University of Oxford and University College London
• £1m research projects will use the latest physical, optical and simulation resources to explore advances in spark and compression ignition combustion, targeting higher engine efficiency
• This research will support the future development of Jaguar Land Rover’s new Ingenium family of compact, lightweight, high-efficiency diesel and petrol turbocharged engines

Jaguar Land Rover has announced the creation of two new ‘Centres of Excellence for Engine Combustion Research’ at two leading UK universities. The £1m investment will be shared equally between University College London (UCL) and the University of Oxford to support the development of new research facilities and fund two 5-year study programmes.

Each centre will focus on specific combustion technologies. The work at UCL’s Department of Mechanical Engineering will be dedicated to spark ignition in petrol engines, led by Dr Pavlos Aleiferis. At the University of Oxford’s Department of Engineering Science, Dr Martin Davy will lead the project on compression ignition in diesel engines.

The primary area of research will be to understand and develop advanced combustion concepts compatible with future fuel advances by investigating new combustion geometries, valvetrain, fuel injection, air management and ignition technologies.

These study programmes have the potential to feed directly into the future development of Jaguar Land Rover’s new Ingenium family of compact, lightweight, high-efficiency diesel and petrol turbocharged engines, which will begin production at the new Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton early in 2015.

Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology for Jaguar Land Rover, said: “We are on a very positive trajectory to reduce vehicle emissions and improve fuel economy. As there is no single solution to cleaner, greener vehicles, we are investing in the research and development of a range of technologies that potentially could help to improve future internal combustion and to develop alternative powertrains.

“Our investment at UCL and the University of Oxford forms part of our strategy to encourage, develop and co-ordinate innovation and powertrain engineering skills here in the UK. We are doing this by partnering with a number of leading universities to ensure we support the development of a strong UK engineering capability right from the very fundamentals of research.”

The centres will be equipped to undertake comprehensive research, both experimental and virtual, using latest-technology single-cylinder engines, advanced optical techniques, and CFD computer modelling tools.

Jaguar Land Rover will provide technical support to the Universities from its powertrain research team and with powertrain CAE CFD computer simulation experts. The university teams include a number of senior academic staff, research assistants, technicians and research students.

Brian Cooper, Principal Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover Powertrain Research, said: “Our aim is tohelp develop the skills and technologies within industry, academia and the supply chain to help us deliver the breakthrough technologies required to meet the diverse global CO₂ and emissions challenges of the future.

“The focus for these two research projects is to find new ways to deliver improved fuel efficiency without compromising the performance and driveability our customers expect. The combustion system is at the heart of the engine and there are significant opportunities for improvement in this area with new technologies for both petrol and diesel.”

Nissan brings out the sports stars to celebrate the new Pulsar coming off the line.

Nissan Ambassador and FC Barcelona star visits the Nissan factory to collect the first Barcelona-built Nissan Pulsar

Nissan today celebrates the first customer delivery of the all-new Nissan Pulsar, ahead of its full roll-out this autumn. To mark the occasion Nissan’s UEFA Champions League ambassador and FC Barcelona star, Andrés Iniesta, was on-site at the Barcelona plant where the vehicle is produced to take delivery of his Nissan Pulsar, and was given the unique opportunity to drive the all-new family hatchback off the production line.

The legendary Spanish footballer visited the Barcelona factory, where the all-new Nissan Pulsar was designed and engineered, to witness first-hand how the innovative new family hatchback has been manufactured and interact with the workers responsible for producing the vehicle. The Barcelona factory is also home to the global production of the e-NV200 – Nissan’s second 100 percent electronic vehicle (EV) after the Nissan LEAF – as well as all versions of the NV200 destined for Europe, the Pathfinder and the Navara.

After his visit, Andrés Iniesta said: “It’s been a fantastic experience to tour Nissan’s Barcelona factory and meet the people behind creating and building some of the most innovative vehicles. The factory is one of the biggest employers and a massive supporter of the region, and I’m honoured to be the first person to receive a Nissan Pulsar built in Barcelona.”

The Nissan Pulsar will be on sale from autumn 2014 and is packed with a range of accessible and useful technologies designed to make drivers feel more confident and comfortable. Redefining expectation with award-winning advanced technology features such as Nissan Safety Shield, the Nissan Pulsar combines bold design, technical innovations and class leading interior space to bring a new dimension to the C-segment.

“The Nissan Pulsar is one of the most innovative vehicles in our range and it seems perfect that Andrés Iniesta, as a true innovator in football and one of Nissan’s Engineers of Excitement, should be the first person to take delivery of the all-new Pulsar,” said Bastien Schupp, Vice President, Marketing – Nissan Europe.

Marco Toro, Managing Director - Nissan Iberia commented: “The Pulsar’s introduction highlights our ambition and desire to deliver intelligent design and technical innovation to the widest possible audience. As well as being the global production centre for the e-NV200, the Barcelona plant is proud to be producing the all-new Nissan Pulsar and we’re delighted to have a Spanish football legend here with us as we celebrate our first customer delivery of the vehicle.”

Nissan’s reputation for introducing new-to-sector technologies has been strengthened with a wide number of features usually reserved for premium or luxury models. Key features of the all-new Nissan Pulsar include:

• Nissan’s advanced Safety Shield – a suite of systems and technologies that combine to offer a fully comprehensive ‘safety net’ for drivers
• Only car in its sector to offer Moving Object Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Warning as standard on at least one model in the range
• Powerful yet frugal all-turbocharged engine range, delivering the perfect combination of performance and efficiency
• Longest wheelbase in class (2,700mm), the Pulsar offers considerably more legroom and shoulder room than its sector rivals
• Bold extension of Nissan’s acclaimed design direction incorporating the distinctive V-motion grille, boomerang-shaped lighting signature with bold and energetic curves

As the home of Nissan’s European Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Business Unit, Nissan’s Spanish operations are an integral part of the company’s presence in Europe and a significant contributor to Nissan’s overall manufacturing output in this region. Among the three sites in Spain, Barcelona sits at the heart of Nissan’s Spanish operations and is the home of NMISA (Nissan Motor Iberica SA). The Barcelona plant covers an area in excess of 517,000m2, produced 131,000 units in 2013 and currently employs just over 3,500 people. Barcelona is also the base for a number of other Nissan facilities, including a division of Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE), a research and development facility for vehicles and diesel engines.

BMW Group sales rise in August and year to date.

• 145,902 vehicles sold worldwide in August, up 4.5%
• Year-to-date sales total 1,330,077, rise of 6.7%

The BMW Group saw its most successful August ever with 145,902 vehicles delivered to customers around the world (prev. yr. 139,650 / +4.5%). Sales for the first eight months of the year are also higher than in any previous year with a total of 1,330,077 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles sold, an increase of 6,7% over the same period in 2013 (prev. yr. 1,246,502).

“Our worldwide sales continue to grow, with August maintaining the upward trend,” said Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing BMW, in Munich today. “Whilst external factors continue to influence some markets, all three major sales regions are delivering more vehicles than ever before this year and we remain confident that we will hit our target of breaking the 2 million mark in 2014.”

In August, worldwide sales of BMW brand vehicles increased by 6.2%, with a total of 126,152 vehicles delivered to customers (prev. yr. 118,744). Year-to-date sales climbed 9.5%, totaling 1,151,904 units for the first eight months of the year (prev. yr. 1,051,567).

Growth is spread across many segments. In the year-to-date, 305,612 BMW 3 Series vehicles have been delivered to customers, an increase of 5.0% on the same period last year (291,110). Sales of the new BMW 4 Series, which was launched in 2013, total 67,375 units delivered to customers worldwide this year. BMW 5 Series sales grew 5.4% in the first eight months of the year, with a total of 250,924 delivered to customers (prev. yr. 238,016). Sales of the BMW X family continue to rise with deliveries of the BMW X3 increasing 3.8% to 103,876 so far this year (prev. yr. 100,037). The new BMW X4, which has been on sale since July, has been delivered to 3,640 customers already and the BMW X5 saw sales soar 33.1% to 90,633 units in the first eight months of the year (prev. yr. 68,087). Deliveries of the BMW i3 for the year-to-date total 8,401.

Sales of MINI brand vehicles decreased in August with a total of 19,504 delivered to customers worldwide (prev. yr. 20,654 / -5.6%). Sales for the year-to-date, which have been affected by the MINI Hatch model-change, are down 9.0% on the same period last year (175,658 / prev. yr. 192,968).

All three major sales regions saw an increase in deliveries for the BMW Group in the first eight months of the year.

Sales in Asia rose 5.4% in August (51,243 / prev. yr. 48,621) and a total of 424,837 BMW and MINI vehicles have been delivered to customers in the region in the first eight months of the year, an increase of 15.6% on the same period last year (367,442). Sales in Mainland China continue to demonstrate significant growth, climbing 19.9% in the year-to-date (298,752 / prev. yr. 249,160). In the same period, sales in South Korea rose to total 29,562, up 14.3% on last year (25,863).

Sales in the Americas are also up on last year, with a total of 39,537 vehicles delivered in August (prev. yr. 37,672 / +5.0%). Sales in the region for the first eight months of the year have risen 3.8% to 299,195 units (prev. yr. 288,189). In the USA, deliveries of BMW and MINI vehicles totalled 245,974 in the year-to-date, an increase of 5.4% on the same period last year (233,326). Sales in Mexico this year show solid growth of 6.3% (9,278 / prev. yr. 8,725).

BMW Group sales in Europe in August increased 2.7% with a total of 49,534 BMW and MINI vehicles delivered to customers in the region (prev. yr. 48,219). In the period January through August, European sales have risen 2.8% (563,246 / prev. yr. 548,121). Almost all markets in the region posted a growth in sales for the year-to-date; strong growth was achieved in Spain, where a total of 25,321 vehicles were delivered to customers (prev. yr. 22,932 / +10.4%) and in Scandinavia, where sales rose 11.5% to 27,275 (prev. yr. 24,462).

BMW Motorrad increased sales by 7.6% to 90,226 (prev. yr. 83,890) motorcycles and maxi-scooters since the start of the year. In August, 7,587 vehicles were sold (prev. yr. 7,708 / -1.6%).

BMW Group sales in/up to August 2014 at a glance

	In August 2014	Comp. to previous year	Up to/incl. August 2014	Comp. to previous year
BMW Group Automobiles	145,902	+4.5%	1,330,077	+6.7%
BMW	126,152	+6.2%	1,151,904	+9.5%
MINI	19,504	-5.6%	175,658	-9.0%
BMW Motorrad	7,587	-1.6%	90,226	+7.6%

Browns Lane heritage Workshop opens to service and maintain classic Jaguars.

• Brand new Jaguar Heritage workshop opens at the historic Browns Lane facility, offering Jaguar warrantied servicing restoration of classic models
• Operated by the same Jaguar Heritage craftsmen who will build the six new Lightweight E-types, all work will be certified via a Jaguar-approved logbook
• The Jaguar Heritage workshop will be led by Martyn Hollingsworth – himself a third-generation Jaguar employee
• Introductory 20% discount offer on labour rates for early customers

In a significant move for owners of classic models, Jaguar Heritage has opened a brand new workshop facility at Browns Lane, Coventry – the spiritual home of many of our heritage vehicles.

The workshop – the same facility in which the six new Lightweight E-type period competition cars will be built – will offer warrantied servicing and restoration of Jaguar’s classic models.

Led by Martyn Hollingsworth, a third-generation Jaguar employee, Jaguar Heritage craftsmen have a unique skillset, which is now available to owners of classic Jaguars.

All servicing and restoration work completed within the Browns Lane facility – which will also be used for the restoration of Jaguar’s own heritage vehicles – will be fully warrantied. Customers will be able to visit while work is in progress on their vehicles and, upon completion, they can obtain both a photographic record of the work carried out and a Jaguar approved service logbook.

Said Martyn Hollingsworth, “The recreation of the new Lightweight E-type period competition cars has demonstrated the unique skillset within the Jaguar Heritage team, and I’m delighted the opening of our Browns Lane workshop means we’re now able to make those same skills available to the benefit of our global customers.”

The Jaguar Heritage workshop can collect and deliver vehicles for service or restoration from any location in the UK or, in the case of overseas customers, any UK airport or port. 

Early customers can benefit from an introductory offer of a 20% reduction on the official labour rate for works completed prior to 31 December 2014 (terms and conditions apply).

Suzuki launches new leaner, greener and meaner engine to Swift range.

Suzuki GB PLC is introducing a new engine for its ever popular Swift model. Planned for introduction early next year, the new 1.2-litre petrol unit incorporates Suzuki’s latest technology that utilises twin fuel injectors for improved fuel economy.

The new technology, known as Dualjet, has resulted in Swift attaining 65.7mpg on the EC Combined fuel consumption cycle, representing an impressive 9.2mpg or 16 per cent improvement over the current petrol engine. Another benefit of Dualjet technology is reduced CO₂ emissions of 99g/km, meaning that Swift models with this engine are now exempt from VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) charges. Even fewer trips to the fuel pumps and zero VED will equate to a saving of up to £175 per year for an average mileage owner.

Utilising Dualjet technology that positions the fuel injectors very close to the engine inlet valves allows for a finer fuel atomisation (or mixture) which in turn provides a more effective transfer into the cylinder. Internal modifications to the engine include the use of a new type of inlet port and combustion chamber with other mechanical parts also modified to reduce frictional losses and facilitate smoother running.

The piston crowns have also been modified with a slight bowl shape to achieve higher air turbulence inside the cylinder, and the pistons have cooling oil jets to help reduce internal temperatures. Additionally, a new type of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system is used which helps avoid abnormal combustion or ‘knocking’. These modifications have resulted in a higher compression ratio of 12.0:1 versus 11.0:1 for the current engine.

The maximum power output is 90PS versus 94PS for the current petrol engine with a slightly increased torque figure of 120Nm at 4,400rpm versus 118Nm at 4,800rpm. Other modifications include slight alterations to gear ratios for greater flexibility on the road, and the addition of Engine Auto Stop Start (EASS). (A full specification sheet is attached).

The new Dualjet technology for Swift will initially be available as an optional engine choice on SZ4 two wheel drive models and will cost around an additional £500. Final prices will be confirmed closer to introduction.

Global sales of Swift have now passed the four million mark since launch in 2004 – eighteen months after the celebration of three million units. Launched in the UK in May 2005; more than 90,000 Swifts have been sold and now account for around 30 per cent of the UK sales mix.

BMW announces third 2-Series model to join expanded lines-up, this time a convertible.

• Replacement for the world's most popular compact premium convertible
• On sale from February 2015 with prices starting at £29,180 OTR
• Four engines include new 2.0-litre diesel and M Performance version
• Average 18 per cent better fuel economy; CO₂ emissions from 116g/km
• Sport, Luxury and M Sport trim levels available

BMW today announces the third model in its 2 Series portfolio, the BMW 2 Series Convertible. It will join the 2 Series Coupé and 2 Series Active Tourer in the line-up from February 2015, with prices starting at £29,180 OTR. The new car replaces the 1 Series Convertible, the most successful car in its class with global sales of more than 130,000 units, and the only one with rear-wheel drive. 

The BMW 2 Series Convertible will be available with a choice of four engines, including a new 2.0-litre diesel for the 220d and, for the first time in a BMW convertible, an M Performance variant, the M235i. Fuel economy improvements over the previous model average 18 per cent. The 2 Series Convertible also brings significant improvements in passenger space and access, acoustic comfort, style, dynamism and equipment, while the ConnectedDrive services for the first time include wireless updating of navigation data. 

Model	Power hp	Torque   Nm	0-62mph seconds	Top Speed mph	Combined mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km	Price
BMW 220i Sport Convertible	184	270	7.5 (7.6)	144 (140)	41.5 (44.1)	159 (149)	£29,180
BMW 228i M Sport Convertible	245	350	6.1 (6.0)	155* (155*)	41.5 (42.8)	159 (154)	£31,550
BMW M235i Convertible	326	450	5.2 (5.0)	155* (155*)	33.2 (35.8)	199 (184)	£37,710
BMW 220d Sport Convertible	190	400	7.5 (7.4)	140 (140)	60.1 (64.2)	124 (116)	£29,965

* Electronically limited. Figures in brackets denote models with an automatic transmission.

More open-top driving pleasure with an added dash of style

The BMW 2 Series Convertible is longer (by 72mm) and wider (by 26mm) than the model it replaces, and has a wheelbase which has been elongated by 30mm. These increases have been put to good use to enhance passenger access and space, increase driving enjoyment with the roof down and change the proportions so that BMW’s latest compact convertible looks even more stylish.  

The electrically operated folding soft top lowers or raises in just 20 seconds at the touch of a button, and can be carried out at speeds of just over 30mph. Additional insulation in the skin of the soft-top improves acoustic comfort, with a 4db noise reduction, and adds to the year-round usability of the car. Improved aerodynamics, with a Cd of just 0.31, also helps to make the cabin quieter. An easier-to-use optional wind deflector provides greater protection against turbulence when travelling top-down. 

Once folded, the soft top disappears fully into the boot to give the BMW 2 Series Convertible a premium ‘boat deck’ appearance. Luggage capacity increases by 30 litres to 335 litres, making it the largest boot in its class. A through-loading system is optionally available to increase versatility.  

The four-seat interior, with folding rear bench, provides greater space and a more intense open-top driving experience, placing the occupants in a typical BMW set-back position. Rear access benefits from an 11mm wider aperture when the front seats are tilted forwards. Large door pockets, a spacious glovebox, a central storage compartment and two cup holders provide improved in-cabin storage.  

The stretched silhouette of the BMW 2 Series Convertible emphasises the tell-tale BMW design characteristics of a long bonnet and wheelbase, short overhangs and a rear-biased cabin.  The double kidney grille leans slightly forwards between twin-round circular headlights that narrow towards the centre, replicating the outlines of the lower air intakes.  An LED accent light cuts across the top of the lighting unit on the optional Xenon headlights, while Adaptive Headlights featuring Selective Beam technology are also available. Air Curtains in the front apron channel air to outlets in the front side panels, reducing turbulence in the wheel arches to enhance fuel efficiency.

The track widths of the BMW 2 Series Convertible are larger than those of its predecessor, by 41mm at the front and 43mm at the rear, so that the widest part of the car is the rear wheel arch area. This emphasises the greater dynamism of the new model and its unique-in-class rear-drive layout. Horizontal lines at the rear also hint at the car’s wider stance. The rear lights extend into the side panels and feature familiar BMW L-shaped LED light bars. At the sides, a slightly rising shoulder line, swage lines running through the door handles and character lines from the doors and side skirts to the rear panels all point to the car’s sporty, rear-wheel-drive layout.    

The interior has been deliberately kept as simple as possible, with layered surfaces, driver-focused controls, clear instruments and a Sport or M Sport leather-covered multi-function steering wheel. Controls for the audio and climate control systems are set against High-gloss Black surfaces and the air vents have chrome surrounds. Switchable ambient lighting is further confirmation of the car’s premium quality. The BMW iDrive controller, linked to a 6.5-inch display screen, gives access to the car’s control systems with minimum distraction.

A more rigid body and advanced new safety features for greater protection

The BMW 2 Series Convertible delivers enhanced safety for occupants and pedestrians compared with the previous model through a combination of a more rigid body and advanced safety features. Torsional stiffness has been raised by 20 per cent and bending stiffness is 10 per cent higher, despite a decrease in body weight, thanks to extensive use of high- and ultra-high-strength steels.  

The A-pillars with strengthening elements and joints made from hot-formed steel combine with the aluminium bars hidden behind the rear seats to form a survival space for occupants in the event of a roll-over accident. The roll-over bars are triggered automatically in fractions of a second if the car’s electronic sensors detect any risk. Strong supporting structures, precisely defined load paths, large deformation zones and intelligent restraint systems ensure that the BMW 2 Series Convertible meets or surpasses safety requirements around the world. Meanwhile, an active bonnet which rises at the rear and contains special deformation areas provides optimum pedestrian protection.  

The car’s restraint systems include front airbags, side airbags with head airbags integrated into the seat backrests, seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters in the front seats and ISOFIX child-seat attachment points in the rear. Also standard is a Tyre Pressure Monitoring system which registers any loss of pressure and activates a signal in the instrument cluster to warn the driver.

Greater performance and dynamism with improved efficiency

Four BMW TwinPower Turbo engines featuring a suite of EfficientDynamics technologies endow the BMW 2 Series Convertible with superior performance to its predecessor, with an average 18 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and lower CO₂ emissions. The engines include a new 2.0-litre diesel for the 220d and, for the first time in a BMW convertible, an M Performance power unit for the M235i. There are also two 2.0-litre petrol engines available, the 220i and 228i. All are more powerful than the engines in the previous model and meet EU6 emissions standards. 

The new 2.0-litre diesel engine develops 14hp and 50Nm of torque more than the previous unit, with greater efficiency. The combined fuel economy is 60.1mpg with the six-speed manual transmission or 64.2mpg with the eight-speed automatic gearbox which is optional on every model, while the respective CO₂ emissions are 124g/km and 116g/km. It features an aluminium crankcase with thermally joined liners to reduce internal friction, and balancer shafts to eliminate vibrations. An enhanced turbocharger and an improved common-rail direct-injection system operating at up to 2,000 bar raise efficiency, and the engine is also lighter and quieter than its predecessor. 

The M Performance 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine in the M235i develops 326hp and 450Nm of torque from only 1,300rpm with the aid of twin-scroll turbocharging, high-precision centrally positioned multi-hole direct injectors, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. The result is an infectious cocktail of high-revving ability, responsive power, instantaneous torque and sports car performance with the utmost efficiency. Acceleration from zero to 62mph is achieved in 5.2 seconds with the manual gearbox and 5.0 seconds with the automatic, yet combined fuel economy is 33.2mpg in the manual and 35.8mpg in the automatic, while CO₂ emissions are 199g/km and 184g/km respectively.    

This efficiency is due in no small part to the extensive EfficientDynamics features on every model. These include lightweight body engineering, sleek aerodynamics with Air Curtains at the front, Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and an ECO PRO mode within the standard Driving Experience Control system. This can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent by modifying accelerator and engine management responses, putting the climate control system into its most efficient setting and even giving the driver tips on how to drive economically through the Proactive Driving Assistant with the BMW Professional navigation system.

The longer wheelbase, increased track widths and stiffer body of the BMW 2 Series Convertible, allied to the latest driver assistance systems, ensure that the driving experience has been raised to even greater levels. The car has the typical sporty agility of a rear-drive BMW with an ideal front-to-rear weight distribution, combined with exceptional comfort. The double-joint tie-bar front suspension with spring struts and five-link rear axle have been precision-tuned for the BMW 2 Series Convertible.  The standard electronic assistance systems include Dynamic Stability Control; incorporating Anti-lock Braking, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Brake Control. These are supported by Brake Assist, Fading Compensation, Brake Drying, the Start-Off Assistant and the Active Differential Brake. The car can also be specified with either M Sport or Adaptive M Sport suspension and M Sport braking system.

The M Sport suspension and braking system, with model-specific tuning, are standard on the 228i and M235i, which also has custom-tuned Variable Sport steering. The suspension set-up and damping of the range-topping model takes into account, not only its exceptional performance, but also the characteristics introduced by its soft roof. Options include a BMW M Performance limited-slip differential.    

ConnectedDrive now with free wireless navigation updates

The BMW 2 Series Convertible can be fully connected with the outside world through a wide range of standard-fit and optional ConnectedDrive features. They include, for the first time on any BMW, a new Professional navigation system which updates navigation data free and wirelessly through the built-in SIM card. This is capable of supporting the LTE (Long Term Evolution) wireless standard, which is up to five times faster than 3G.

Every BMW 2 Series Convertible comes with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connectivity with audio streaming and a USB interface, a DAB tuner, BMW Emergency Call and BMW TeleServices as standard. These can be supplemented with BMW Navigation or Professional multimedia system, Internet connectivity, BMW Online Services, Online Entertainment, Real Time Traffic Information, enhanced Bluetooth with Voice Control, Remote Services and Information Plus.

Customers can also specify the Driving Assistant with camera-based Lane Change and Lane Departure warning systems. It also features Attention Assistant to alert a potentially drowsy driver. Collision Warning primes the brakes and alerts the driver if the 2 Series Convertible gets too close to the car in front. Rear Park Distance Control is standard, and can be supported with Park Distance Control at the front as part of the Driver Comfort package. A Reversing Assist camera is also offered.

The BMW 2 Series Convertible in the UK

The 220d and 220i models are available in Sport, Luxury and M Sport trim while the 228i is offered in M Sport only and the M235i has its own unique specification. SE models will become available at a later date. 

Standard specification on all models is comprehensive and includes alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, Drive Performance Control, Keyless go, a Sport instrument cluster, dual dark chrome exhaust tailpipes for 220i and 220d Sport models, Sports seats and a Sport multi-function leather steering wheel.

The 220i and 220d Luxury models are distinguished by larger alloy wheels; Chrome finishers on the vertical slats of the front air inlet, front grille, dual chrome exhaust tailpipes and rear bumper; Fineline Wood with Oxide Silver accents and Dakota leather upholstery. M Sport versions have High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, Aluminium Hexagon trim with Estoril Blue accents, extra-wide High-gloss Black kidney grille slats, a Sport instrument cluster, dual chrome exhaust tailpipes, M Sport suspension, an M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel, M aerodynamic body styling and M door sill finishers. There is also an M Sport Plus package of Ferric Grey 18-inch alloy wheels, headlight wash, harman/kardon loudspeaker system, M Sport brakes, Xenon headlamps and a grey windscreen shade band.

Last but not least, the unique specification of the M235i includes 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, Ferric Grey air blades and mirror caps, dual-zone air conditioning, Dakota leather upholstery, Extended Lighting and Storage, M Sport suspension and braking, an M rear spoiler and unique M logos on the wings.  

The BMW 2 Series Convertible is on sale from 28 February, 2015.  It will be priced from £29,180 OTR for a 220i Sport Convertible.