For those who find the BMW X1 too demure and MPV-ish, BMW will introduce its X2 in South Africa in March 2018. As is the tradition with even-numbered X models, the newcomer's styling is quite daring. Two-wheel-drive turbopetroland AWD turbodiesel derivatives will be offered.

As expected, the newcomer's look is characterised by squared-off extremities, sporty accents such as exhaust tailpipes and accentuated side skirts, plus a rearward sloping roofline, svelte contours and narrow side glass area. However, a pair of design cues appear to split opinion: not everyone is a fan of the invertedkidney grille (it now broadens to its bottom outer edges), plus the additional BMW roundels (1 on each of the C-pillars) referencea similar detail of celebrated BMW coupes of yore, such as the 2000 CS and 3.0 CSL, yet, for all its overt sportiness, the X2 is hardly a classic coupe.

The South African line-up will include 2 derivates from launch, both of which are equipped with automatic transmissions. The front-wheel-drive sDrive20i petrol derivative has peak outputs of 141 kW/280Nm, a claimed fuel consumption range of between5.9 and5.5 L/100 km and a 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission. ThexDrive20d turodiesel derivative, meanwhile, produces 140 kW/400 N.m, consumes approximately 4.8 – 4.6 L/100 km, comes equipped with xDrive "intelligent all-wheel drive" and features an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

The M Sport and M Sport X specification derivatives come as standard with M Sport suspension with firmer spring and damper settings and a lowered ride height, while optional dynamic damper control allows the suspension settings to be tailored to road conditions/a driver's taste.

The interioris trimmed in a combination of Micro Hexagon fabric/Alcantara Anthracite with contrast stitching for the instrument panel and centre console. BMW claims the X2 has a claimed luggage capacity of 470 litres, which can be increased by folding the 40/20/40 rear seatback forward.

As expected, a host ofBMW Connected and BMW ConnectedDrive Services will be optionally availablefor the X2, as will be BMW Head-Up Display, Driving Assistant Plus, which comprises a series of camera-based driver assistance systems and Parking Assistant. Price wise, we expect X2 to slot in nearer to the upper endof the X1 range than entry-level of the soon-to-be-launchedX3. A 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan will be standard.

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