Some say it goes against BMW’s long-held virtue of the “ultimate driving machine” and the company’s penchant for rear-wheel-drive dynamics. So it begs the question: why have they done it? Packaging and layout of the 1 Series hatch has always been compromised because of the drivetrain. However, with the Mini program under its umbrella, BMW has the resources at its fingertips. Ultimately, it is all about bringing new buyers to the brand.

What do you get?

Four models comprise the all-turbo Active Tourer lineup with prices starting at $44,400 for the base model, three-cylinder petrol 218i. The diesel-powered 218d is $47,800 while the range-topping 225i tested here is $54,900 (all prices exclude on-road costs). The mid-spec 220i is $50,900. All models are paired with an eight-speed automatic.

 Standard equipment is high with a plethora of tech-heavy items to combat the cheaper B-Class. Safety systems include lane departure warning, approach control warning, pedestrian warning, light city braking, speed limiter, front and rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, automated parking and BMW ConnectedDrive.

All models come with cruise control, full Bluetooth connectivity, climate control and a colour infotainment system with iDrive control wheel. The test car also ticked cost options such as a panoramic glass sunroof, Professional Multimedia Package (navigation system plus, head-up display, Harman/Kardon sound system and DAB+ digital radio) and Comfort Package (keyless access and electric heated seats with lumbar support).

What’s inside?

This is where the Active Tourer has to kick goals. After all, if it doesn’t, what is the point? Luckily, it proves its worth in both practical terms and a general upmarket ambience. The design takes subtle cues from the futuristic i3 without rewriting the BMW formbook. Soft-touch materials abound (Dakota leather) while the fit and finish is top-notch.

Getting comfortable behind the wheel creates an un-BMW-like sensation as the seating position is high, but SUV buyers will appreciate it. Head and legroom is generous front and rear with plenty of room for adults or kids in the back. ISOFIX points feature on the two outer rear seats. 

Cabin quibbles – on-road it isn’t as hushed as you would expect and tyre roar infiltrates on coarse surfaces and thick pillars can impede vision, while the rear seat is hard and flat.

Simple, but pleasing ergonomic wins are the rear air vents, multi-adjustable 40/20/40-split rear seats that can be released from the boot and the two-tiered cargo compartment. An electronic tailgate is standard and reveals a 468-litre boot, which expands to 1510 litres with the rear seats folded.

Under the bonnet

The 225i begs a unique question within the already original Active Tourer range –who is going to buy it? With the TwinPower 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol pumping out 170kW and 350Nm, it could almost be called a hot hatch. The effortless overtaking pace, mountain-tackling torque and 0-100km/h of 6.6 seconds certainly affirms the case. The TwinScroll turbo comes on strong early, peak torque is developed at just 1250rpm, and it even sounds interesting for an MPV.

Tasked with shuffling gears is the intuitive ZF eight-speed auto. Shifts are virtually imperceptible and you can take control either with the steering wheel-mounted paddles. Three driving modes (Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport) return discernible character changes by tailoring the throttle response, gearbox, dynamic dampers and variable sport steering. Eco Pro is great for getting the most out of every drop of fuel, but makes the throttle far too languid. Comfort and Sport are better options.

Performance isn’t at the expense of economy, given that the turbo four returns a combined figure of 6.1L/100km. This is also due to the seamless stop/start tech, regenerative braking and Eco Pro mode.

On the road

Chances are that most buyers either don’t know, or simply don’t care, which wheels are putting the power to the ground – hence the “edge” BMW thought they had with the 1 Series never really reaped a sales reward.

However, the years of R&D invested into the Active Tourer have resulted in a thoroughly sorted front-wheel drive hatch. There are few ill-effects of the tall silhouette as body roll is kept to a minimum and there is an unexpected level of agility – no doubt aided by the ability to stiffen the dynamic dampers.

In 225i guise it is surprisingly fun and spirited to drive – especially when engaging Sport mode and the dynamic stability setting, which loosens the fun police’s tight grip. The variable sport steering also offers tangible feedback – albeit feeling slightly artificial in weight when in Sport – and the brakes are strong.

The power-packed motor can sometimes be too much for the front wheels. In a typical male response, it can’t always perform two tasks at once. Apply steering lock with too much throttle percentage and the torque nibbles away at the wheel, while it will push wider earlier in the bends.

The ride quality in Sport – combined with the run-flat tyres and 18-inch alloys – can be a bit too firm on really poor surfaces. However, toggle back to Comfort and the benefit of the dynamic dampers comes to the fore. This setting is much more cossetting and, in reality, the only mode most buyers will ever use.

Verdict

Ultimately, the car BMW denied repeatedly has become a reality – and a front-wheel-drive BMW isn’t as blasphemous as first thought. Objectively, as a premium compact MPV, it ticks a lot of boxes. Brand heresy aside, it could be a little less racy and a fair bit more supple with added visual flair from the exterior. But the 225i is a quasi-hot hatch that just happens to have all the virtues of a small people mover. For something that is supposed to be so wrong, it does a lot right.

BMW 225i specifications

Price: $54,900 (excluding on-road costs)

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Fuel use: 6.1L/100km

Power: 170kW @4750-6000rpm

Torque: 350Nm @1250rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Weight: 1430kg

Safety: Five stars (EuroNCAP)

Country of origin: Germany

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

- Test vehicle supplied by Riverina BMW