Why a front-drive BMW makes sense

CHAS HALLETT EDITOR chas.hallett@haymarket.com @chashallett

THE BMW 2-SERIES ACTIVE TOURER is a high-roofed front-wheel-drive hatchback. Or, if you like, about as far away as possible from the rear-drive saloons and coupés on which BMW based its reputation. You might even recall one of BMW’s ad campaigns mocking one pair of wheels driving when they’ve also got to steer. Does this U-turn matter? No. We love driving rear-wheel-drive cars and there’s no doubt that for certain types of cars it’s still the optimum set-up. But hatchbacks should be front-wheel drive for many good reasons; compare a Golf and a current 1-series and there’s no contest. Remember, too, that BMW has been making front-drive Minis since 2001 and before that the unloved but highly accomplished Rover 75. We’re also reminded by BMW’s sales boss, Ian Robertson, that…

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Autocar (Digital) - 1 Issue, 23/07/2014

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