BMW gets busy on the double as Nissan extends range with Juke hybrid

Published on 2 March, 2022

Overview

BMW is busy this month. It has the heavily re-engineered 2 Series Active Tourer due.

With it, it is claiming “significant” advances in key areas and spec, some of which you’d only previously have enjoyed on larger, more expensive, models.

One “significant” element is the debut, in this model, of the brand’s Operating System 8 and the new generation of the iDrive control system.

Until now the advanced system has only featured in the electric BMW iX and i4. The same goes for a range of driver assistance systems.

The new architecture is designed to accommodate electrified drive systems as well as conventional engines.

With new engines, it has its second-generation 48v mild-hybrid technology and 7spd Steptronic dual-clutch transmission as standard.

There is a choice of two petrols and one diesel engine for now but there will be two plug-in hybrids coming from the summer.

They will have fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology to extend electric range.

Meanwhile, the latest 2-series Coupé has a stellar little driver in there amongst the others.

It is the 374hp, all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive Coupé. What a car its current equivalent has been. There is a far bigger range of driver assistance system and latest connectivity innovations.

The coupé range is the only one in its segment to have a 6cyl in-line engine. On-board technology includes the BMW Operating System 7.

While the M240i xDrive Coupé, powered by that 374hp 6-cyl in-line engine, tops the range, you can also get 4cyl petrol and diesel versions in the standard M Sport specification.

The new 2 Series Coupé is built at the BMW Group’s plant in Mexico.

* Nissan is busy too. It is to launch a new variant of the popular Juke with a hybrid version that creates more power and less fuel consumption. The compact crossover pairs a 1.6-litre petrol engine, which pumps 92bhp, and a 48bhp electric motor to give a total system output of 140bhp.

Consumption is said to be around 5litres/100km while CO2 emissions are capped at 118g/km.

Accompanying the new hybrid are several changes inside and out. It has made the bodywork beneath the bumper more aerodynamic. Improved airflow and reduced drag no doubt contribute to lower fuel consumption too.

For decorative purposes, and just in case you didn’t know, they have hybrid badges on the front doors and tailgate.

The front grille meanwhile has the new Nissan logo. Inside, there is a new set of dials behind the steering wheel which houses, among other items, a power gauge and an indicator for the battery charge level.

There is also a driving-mode selection button you can use to switch it into 100pc EV mode.

The hybrid powertrain stems from the brand’s alliance with Renault. The engine and motor come from Nissan.

The gearbox, 1.2kWh water-cooled battery and 15kW starter-generator comes from Renault. The car can have a fully electric start-up.

There is a downside: boot space is cut by 68 litres to 354 litres from the 1-litre turbo petrol Juke. That is to allow for the 1.2kWh battery pack.

Nissan counters the loss by saying the 1,237 litres available when the rear seats are down still keeps it ahead of its rivals.