BMW's Hot New M235i Convertible Is A Car We've All Got Time For

Find the 4-series convertible a little too heavy and expensive? How about this: the new BMW 2-series convertible. It’s the latest new arrival in a busy week for car reveals, and is a direct replacement for the 1-series convertible, which was based on the first-generation platform of the 1-series hatch.

Unlike its 4-series big brother, with its bulky and complicated folding hard top, the 2-series has a much simpler and lighter fabric roof. Operated electronically, it can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 30mph.

Four models will be available: 220i Sport, 228i M Sport, M235i and 220d Sport, and all are pretty quick. The 220i and 228i both have 2.0-litre four pots; the former develops 181bhp and 199lb ft, cracking 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds, while the latter churns out 242bhp and 258lb ft for a 6.1 second 0-62mph dash.

Go for the convertible version of the burly M235i, and you get BMW’s magnificent ‘N55’ turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six, which is good for 322bhp and 334lb ft of torque. 0-62mph is dealt with in just 5.2 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited at 155mph.

At the other, more sensible end of the scale, the 220d has a 187bhp and 295lb ft turbodiesel engine, which will get you to 62mph in the same time as the 220i. As you’d expect, it’s the most economical in the range, with a claimed combined figure of 60.1mpg. The least frugal is the M235i at 33.2mpg, while the other two petrols manage 41.5.

With around 150kg of extra weight across the range compared to the tin top models, each is a touch slower than the equivalent coupe. They also won’t be quite as sharp to drive without a fixed roof, but torsional rigidity has increased by 20 per cent compared to the old 1-series drop top.

Tempted to splash the cash? The range kicks off with the 220i at £29,180, followed by the 220d for £29,965, the 228i at £31,550, and then £37,710 for the full-fat M235i.

It’s a direct rival for the Audi A3 Cabriolet which - unlike the rear-drive BMW - sends its power to the front or four wheels. That car has a much lower starting price of £25,245, although A3 cabs with similar power outputs to the 2-series range have more comparable prices.

The 2-series convertible will be available in the UK from February next year, and will make its public debut at the upcoming Paris motor show.