BMW 223i M Sport Active Tourer 2022 UK first drive

Let's deal with the inside first, because an MPV succeeds or fails by its ability to deliver on the family-friendly front. After all, what’s the point in buying a car that’s maybe not as easy on the eye or as dynamically dexterous as an SUV or family hatch if it doesn't deliver an extra slice of space and practicality?

Although it isn’t an SUV, the 2 Series sits you higher than a conventional hatch does, plus the larger windows give you both a great view out and let more light into an interior that feels as bright and airy as its increased size would suggest.

In truth, there’s nothing innovative about the Active Tourer’s cabin, but it does offer a useful increase in room over the 1 Series despite taking up roughly the same space on the road. Those in the back get a generous amount of head and leg room, while the 40/20/40-split folding rear bench slides back and forth so you can either free up extra space for people or luggage, depending on your needs.

There’s a decent amount of storage, too, with large door bins front and back, and a big centre console cubby features a neat smartphone holder and wireless charging pad. Sitting between the front seats is a large trinket tray, while ‘floating’ above this is an armrest that also houses the gear selector toggle and iDrive infotainment controls. Yet there’s none of the numerous lidded hideaways and thoughtful touches that marked out its one-time French rivals.

The boot is big at least, measuring 406 litres with the seats in place (and pushed back as far as they’ll go) and 1455 litres with them folded down. There’s also some handy storage hidden below the boot floor. Better still, the new FAAR architecture means the battery for the hybrid versions is mounted under the floor between the axles, so there’s no reduction in space for occupants or luggage.

Behind the wheel, the 2 Series looks the part, thanks to the decision to give it the same curved dash display already seen on the electric i4 and iX models. Comprising a 10.25in instrument cluster and 10.7in infotainment screen, the set-up also packs the brand’s Operating System 8 iDrive software, which is faster acting than before.

It’s a shame that cars like the 2 Series Active Tourer are on the wane, because in a rational world where style and image didn’t matter, these machines would be the family cars of choice, rather than bluff-fronted and heavier SUVs that offer no practical advantage over a traditional saloon or estate.

The BMW will no doubt find a loyal band of buyers who will revel in this car's combination of hatchback handiness on the road and an interior that’s flexible and offers the space to rival an executive saloon. And when you’re constantly carting about a family and their things, there’s a lot to like in that approach. Moreover, it’s a more dynamic, better-equipped and versatile choice than its only real remaining rival, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class.