The car: BMW 228i Convertible
The price: From $68,900 plus on-road and dealer costs
Vital statistics: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol; 180kW/350Nm; eight-speed automatic; 6.6L/100km; RWD
He: A few months ago we drove the new Audi A3 Cabriolet – in sporty S3 guise – but now BMW has hit back with its own compact drop-top. What do you think of the new 2-Series, Daisy?
She: They make a car with teeth, do the ubermenschen at BMW, and as sweetly city slicker, with its soft top and sexy curves, as the 2-series is, behind the wheel it's a no mess ride with flair. I've never been a beemer devotee, but they got me with the i3 – and now this. What do you make of the fast car-meets-cabriolet ride?
He: It's a typical BMW – high-quality finish, nice design and an engaging driving experience. I was particularly impressed with the engine, even by modern turbocharged standards. It offers up plenty of pulling power from low down in the rev range, is relatively frugal and even makes a nice note. Paired with the slick eight-speed auto it is a really impressive powertrain. Did you enjoy it as much as I did?
She: Spot on, Steve. It was exciting. A feisty mover with firm, boney grip, the eight speed automatic – yeeew! – is just clever, clever, clever, punching up and shutting down effortlessly. Particularly appealing to me was how racey and serious it feels even at low, city speeds. Even rush-hour felt a little bit fun, and that is saying something. But that's also partly because this is a compact creature and takes up less space on the road than it lets on.
He: I think you've touched on a great point, Daisy – its size. I really like this new breed of compact convertibles – BMW 2-Series, Audi A3 and even the Volkswagen Golf – that give you a more affordable open-topped experience in a urban-friendly package. It's hardly a spacious four-seater, but it can fit four adults at a pinch; besides, let's be honest, nobody is buying this car as a family vehicle. It feels nimble in the city, agile on a twisty country road but has enough space for comfortable single or couple living on a daily basis. And the roof was really well insulated, I thought. It didn't feel or sound much louder than a hard-roof vehicle. Agree?
She: Yep, the roof's a cinch to use, if driving with the top down is your thing, and I noticed no discernible difference in road sound when it was up. The back seats are very cosy, too cosy, perhaps for some (make that anyone over five foot). Onto the bells and whistles, and while the dashboard and controls don't chart any new territory, there's no doubt a maxxed-up computer is behind this kind of machine and its user interaction. How did it all come together for you?
He: If there is a problem with this 228i it's the price. Yes, it offers up more performance but the Audi A3 Cabriolet with a 132kW turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive is more than $13,000 cheaper. Or the 210kW/380Nm S3 Cabriolet is only $1600 more expensive. So as much as I enjoyed the 228i I have to have a long hard think before I put my money down on one ahead of an Audi.
She: Yes, that kind of money's no small drop in the ocean and I do find it very hard to justify – although I'd put it above the S3 for pure driving joy (as the spiel goes). It may be talking to a small audience, but it's a great car, done very well.
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