TWO DIMENSIONS

Sensible engine and sporty intentions. Does the polarizing combination work?

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I must admit that the idea of a diesel engine in a compact, taut body like the BMW 2 Series requires something of a paradigm shift that my mind grappled to unpack. Especially since the model on test was fitted with sporty 19-inch wheels that, when combined with the power dome on the bonnet, delivered a message of intent way above the punching power of the badge. On first impression, the 2 Series design is really starting to gel. Now it seems to have found both a purpose and an identity, maturing into a niche offering but also evolving to a slightly different rhythm versus BMW’s diversifying portfolio and technologies. In a way, it feels slightly old school, and unpretentious alert. For a change, there’s almost nothing controversial about it, nothing too revolutionary under the hood and for someone like me who just enjoys the simple pleasures of driving, the 220d has the right mix of ingredients.