Get ready for summer and drop-top motoring with the BMW 220i Convertible.

South Africa, contrary to popular belief, is actually ideally suited for convertibles – well, Johannesburg is anyway. Our beautiful summers and mild winters mean that you can derive so much enjoyment from a drop top vehicle of virtually any kind.

We have amazing views and the rain is fairly predictable. Driving a convertible is something that everyone needs to experience. In the same way that pilots will tell you that gliding is one of the purest forms of flying, so will convertible enthusiasts – and they’re right. Even at night. In fact, night time is probably the best time to make use of a vehicle with a retractable roof.

The BMW F23 2-Series found itself as a replacement for the 1-Series coupe line-up and it goes without saying that the 2-Series Convertible thus replaces the E88 1-Series Convertible. South Africa has three models available at present, the 220i (as tested), the 228i and range-topping M235i.

Styling

Much thought has been put into the 2-Series Convertibles styling and it’s a massive improvement over the exiting 1-Series. With appearances now coming across as longer and wider, the car carries a more befitting, sporty look.

Traditional 2-series headlights rest up front and taper inwards to match the lines of the angle, trademark kidney grille. The model on test was fitted with the optional M-Sport Package which includes front and rear M-Sport bumpers, side skirts and M badging on the fenders. I would certainly recommend the M-sport package if the budget allows as it creates a more purposeful approach to the front and rear, with large air dams and a rear diffuser.

The long swage line running down the side helps lend itself to creating the impression that the 2-Series Convertible is longer than it actually is. Similar visual trickery is used with the chrome strip, running from either side wing mirror and looping around the rear in one continuous line, thus creating the impression of length and width.

The wide appearance is further enhanced by the horizontal lines incorporated into the rear elements. Flat taillights and a level boot lid edge not only make things appear wider, but they hark back to design cues seen in the E30 convertible and, even earlier than that, the flat lines seen on the BMW 2002.

With the roof folded away, the rear deck lid is tidily rolled and graceful, designed to look like the deck of a yacht. With the roof up, the lines are kept elegant, even if the large C-pillar fabric seems a little overpowering. It certainly looks better with the roof folded down.

Engine

The BMW 220i is powered by the 2-litre turbocharged direct injection N20B20U0 motor producing 135kW and 270Nm torque. Forced induction comes from a twin scroll turbo which helps eliminate turbo lag and lower the boost threshold. This allows for smoother low rev driving and creates a linear delivery of power that only tapers off ever so slightly towards the redline.

It’s fairly frugal too and while BMW claim optimistic figures of 6.5-litre/100km, the realistic figures on the combined cycle will see you tip the scales at 9-litres/100km.

While my preference is naturally the M235i with its N55 3-litre straight-six setup, the 220i proved to be enjoyable and sprightly, wonderfully suited to a daily driven car.

Interior

The interior of the 220i with the few additions checked is certainly a pleasant place to spend some time. The light brown leather seats are devoid of heating but are 11-way adjustable, allowing you to get a driving position that best suits you. BMW certainly has come a long way in terms of ergonomics and driver positioning. I used to detest the driving position but in the newest models, this has been significantly improved.

The driver cockpit is a touch on the small side and even with my wiry frame, I found the foot-well to be cramped – a necessary evil in a rear-wheel drive vehicle though as space has to be allowed for the transmission tunnel. Rear legroom is surprisingly ample and with the roof up, or down, four average sized adults should find no problem doing moderate distances in the 2-Series Convertible.

The folding roof does limit the boot space, so if you happen to be taking three other adults somewhere, it’s best that they pack light… very light. BMW counters the boot problem by allowing the back seats to double as loading space, with an included tonneau cover that encloses the rear seats. This prevents your gym back from flying out at highway speeds.

Drive

It’s in the drive where my mind is at unrest. On one hand, the standard 220i is supple enough to allow for daily cruising and regular use for just about anyone, however, with the M-Sport suspension things become a little more taught and responsive, but without the downright power to match. This makes it a little less comfortable as well – a bit of a half-effort when specced like this.

If you’re the kind that enjoys a firmer drive, then by all means, the M-Sport Package (or M235i) will suit you just fine, but if you prefer to mosey along as average speeds, it may be best that you don’t go for the M-Sport suspension option and enjoy the boulevard cruiser for exactly that. The power will be ample, the interior well suited and the drive gentle enough to get you there relaxed.

Personally, I believe that this is the way to go. When you’re driving fast you’re concentrating on the road, thinking about your driving, the gears and the engine. You miss out on the grace and sense of occasion that comes with a convertible. And where’s the point in that?

Drop the roof, kick it up a gear or two, sit back, add some music and enjoy the wonderful country that we’ve been blessed with. Unless you’re in Cape Town, then you’d better put the roof back up.

The BMW 220i Convertible retails for R486 500 and with the additions added as we tested it, the price comes to R635 757. It is sold with BMWs 5 years/100 000km Motorplan and two years (24 months) and unlimited mileage warranty.

Want to know more? Watch our video review here