BMW 2 Series 220d Convertible M Sport 2017 first drive

The BMW 2 Series has undergone the latest wielding of the BMW design department's surgical knife, resulting in a facelift for all Coupé and Convertible variants, as well as the 1 Series they're based on. 

Here we focus on the 2 Series, which outside gets new standard LED headlights (adaptive ones are available as an option), a redesigned kidney grille, new (optional) LED fog lamps and restyled front air intakes. Further to that, three new exterior colours and four new styles of alloy wheel are available.

The 2 Series' insides have been given a going-over, too. The dashboard is completely new and has been angled more towards the driver, there's a new instrument display, the latest iDrive infotainment system features and so does new leather upholstery. A scattering of air vent, window button and cup holder enhancements complete the list. 

But there are no mechanical changes. As such, we're driving the 2.0-litre 220d diesel, which still produces 187bhp, officially does 60.1mpg and emits 124g/km of CO2 in popular M Sport trim. 

To drive, the 2 Series is as it was before. BMW's 2.0-litre diesel engine fires to smooth idleand paired with BMW's brilliant ZF automatic (as our test car was), provides useful flexibility and decent outright pace, making it as pleasing a companion in town as it is when you're barrelling along A-roads and motorways. It could be quieter and transmit a little less vibration when pushed hard, but neither is bad enough to put you off.

It remains a decent steer, too, with a light but communicative set-up that is still better on non-variable form, but certainly not ruined for having the box ticked. It's usual for a convertible to feel less agile than its coupé stablemate and that applies here, although the margins are small: the 2 Convertible still feels urgent, composed and nicely upright in tight corners. It is, as it was, a more engaging drive than Audi's A3 Cabriolet. 

And, perhaps more importantly in convertible form, comfort is still impressive. There's the odd shimmy over potholes, but compared with its open-top rivals the 2 Series is no worse, dealing with everything from deep ruts to scraggy stretches of high street well, particularly with our car's £515 adaptive M Sport suspension switched to Comfort mode. 

Roof up, there's some tyre noise at speed but nothing that'll have you reaching for the audio system's volume knob, while roof-down (a process that takes about 20 seconds and can be carried out at speeds up to a useful 30mph) it provides good protection from the elements for four passengers with the windows up. Fit the car's optional wind deflector (£260) and two passengers can travel at motorway speeds without the need for hats or hairnets. On that note, two passengers will travel in more comfort than four in other ways too, because a couple of adults in the rear will struggle for kneeroom behind a couple more. Its an issue that's slightly more acute than in an Audi A3 Cabriolet. Unlike the BMW, the Audi's boot isn't hindered by its folded roof, either.