The 2016 BMW 2 Series model range is a little bit Jekyll and Hyde: the swish-looking Coupe and Convertible models are compact rear-wheel-drive, two-door four-seat sports cars that major on delivering a fun driving experience via a range of sporty engines and engaging handling. The five-seat Active Tourer and seven-seat Gran Tourer, meanwhile, are super-sensible front-wheel-drive MPVs that focus on maximising interior space – they’re a rival for the likes of the Mercedes B-Class or Volkswagen Golf SV. Or, in the case of the seven-seater Gran Tourer, the Volkswagen Touran. All four models share the same premium feel you expect of a BMW, however, despite their dramatically different appearances.

Strengths:

Four different versions to suit different buyers
Impeccable interior quality
Competent handling and a comfortable ride

Weaknesses:

Cramped third row of seats in the Gran Tourer
Convertible is heavier and slower than the coupe
The 2 Series is quite a pricey used car

Is the 2016 BMW 2 Series better than the 2016 Audi TT?

The 2016 Audi TT is a more glamorous-looking car than the 2016 BMW 2 Series, but the BMW scores points for offering a broader range of engines (including a great-sounding turbocharged inline six-cylinder in the case of the M240i), while its rear-wheel-drive layout makes it more fun to drive.