What's the news?

As leaked all over the internet earlier this week, here's the new BMW 2 Series Coupé. It replaces the 1 Series Coupé and, as with the 3/4 Series, will in time spawn a 2 Series Convertible. Petrol and diesel models will be available from launch (in March 2014), and the hot M235i is already grabbing the headlines. The new two-door makes its world debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show in January - and we're driving it straight after.

Exterior

The 2 Series Coupé is remarkably different looking to the BMW 1 Series hatchbacks, especially around the back, where the lights look like little else made by BMW. Saying all that, the distinctive three-box profile is similar to the outgoing 1 Series Coupé's. Nonetheless, the 2 Series is larger than its predecessor: length is up 72mm to 4,432mm; the wheelbase is 30mm longer at 2,690mm; it's wider by 32mm; and the front and rear tracks have been increased by 41- and 43mm respectively.

There are two non-metallic and 10 metallic paint finishes to choose from. M Sport buyers can also specify the distinctive Estoril Blue colour. The M Sport cars have their own look regardless of colour, thanks to a 10mm drop in ride height, 17-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, enlarged front air intakes, side skirts, new bumpers, a rear diffuser and a restyled kidney grille. The M235i appears to come with its own embellishments, including a lip spoiler on the boot lid.

Interior

All those increases in size translate into more headroom, more leg space for the rear seat occupants and a larger boot. The rear seat backrest splits in two as standard, though can be upgraded to a 40:20:40 split.

Mechanicals

Naturally, the 2 Series Coupé puts its power to the back wheels. Details of several engine variants have been released by BMW, including three 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesels, the 218d (143hp), the 220d (184hp) and the twin-turbocharged 225d (218hp). Emissions are as low as 111g/km in certain versions of the 218d and 220d with fuel economy as high as 67.3mpg. Petrol power initially comes in the form of the 220i Coupé or the M235i. The former uses BMW's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 184hp and 270Nm of torque. It hits 62mph from rest in seven seconds dead and yet can return 49.6mpg on the combined cycle.

All buyers can fine-tune their car's dynamics to suit their needs (and budget...). There's variable sport steering with a variable steering ratio; an upgraded M Sport braking package - or the even larger BMW M Performance system; Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled damping; lower and stiffer M Sport suspension; and even more focused BMW M Performance sports suspension with a 20mm ride height drop and bespoke springs and dampers.

Pricing and specifications

For the UK market, the launch models will be 220i, 220d, M235i on March 8, 2014, while 218d and 225d follow on later in the year. The latter is an M Sport only car, and cannot be specified with a manual gearbox. Other than that there are SE, Sport, Modern and M Sport variants to choose from. The 220i SE costs £25,040 on-the-road, the 220d SE is £25,865 and the M235i costs £34,250.

Standard equipment includes rear parking sensors, air conditioning, multifunction leather steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, BMW emergency call and TeleServices. M Sport versions gain 18-inch wheels and more.

Anything else?

Topping the 2 Series Coupé line-up is the M235i model, referred to as a BMW M Performance Automobile. That means it's not a fully-fledged 'M' car, but given how brilliant the BMW M135i is, we're not so worried. Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine, producing up to 326hp and 450Nm of torque from just 1,300rpm. The manual version hits 62mph from rest in five seconds even, while the automatic car knocks a couple of tenths off that time. Top speed is limited to 155mph. Despite the performance, it's pretty efficient, returning 34.9mpg on the combined cycle and emitting 189g/km in manual guise - and the automatic returns better numbers again.

The M235i has the M Sport braking system and variable sport steering as standard, along with unique 18-inch alloy wheels. Loads of BMW M Performance options will tempt buyers, including 19-inch alloys and a mechanical limited slip rear differential.

Shane O' Donoghue - 24 Oct 2013