BMW 2 Series Active Tourer spied

The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has been spied totally undisguised, finally revealing the first BMW to be built on the front-wheel-drive UKL1 platform used by the latest MINI.

• BMW 2 Series

This is our first confirmation that the new, practical model will be part of the 2 Series line-up, with this car seen to be wearing a 225i badge. We’re expecting the 2AT to use engines from the MINI line-up, so this 225i could be powered by the 2.0-litre turbo from the Cooper S. Expect to see the 1.5-litre turbo petrol and diesel three-cylinders used lower in the range, too.

The styling hasn’t veered too much away from the original CAT and CAT Outdoor concepts that both previewed this model, but it does look a little higher and longer. The chrome grille and extravagant wing mirrors have both been toned down.

We’re expecting to see the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer unveiled at the Geneva Show in March, and it should be on sale in the UK during the second half of 2014. That’ll be the standard five-seater but BMW is expected to launch a seven-seater version in 2015.

The standard car will go head-to-head with models like the Mercedes B-Class, which itself is going to be updated in 2014. Prices should start from around £22,000 for both cars.