Style is a byword for BMW and the latest drop top,is drop dead gorgeous.
The 228i on test here is a real head turner.. deep black paintwork and red leather seats a total fashion statement.
The seats are a bit firm in the usual way from this maker , but not at all uncomfortable.. generous side bolsters hold front seat occupants snugly in place during spirited cornering.
BMW's i Drive control system is these days much more user friendly and easy to use.I liked the gloss black finish on the console and chrome surrounds on vents.
The quality of the trim and fit is typical BMW standard. You'd be hard pressed to find the smallest flaw in the seat and door trim stitching.
Rear seat passengers might be a bit squeezed for leg room however when front seat occupants are tall..and there's a large C pillar blind spot with the roof erected.
However a rear view camera will help you in those tight car park spots.
The refinement of the 228's turbocharged engine is amazing.
No vibration at idle and a zero to 100 time of around six seconds provides an exhilarating drive, with a rorty engine note.
No wonder. It develops 180 kw and 380 nm of torque. Average fuel consumption during my week with the car was around seven litres per 100 kilometres...excellent figures considering the 228's performance.
Handling is first class. The Cabrio sits flat and controlled as it sweeps though corners, with aplomb, aided by very direct steering.
Ride comfort is very good considering the 228's sporty pretensions.
The fabric roof has five layers, and when erect allows little external noise to intrude. The roof takes 20 seconds to put up or lower and you can do either at speeds of up to 50 kilometres an hour.
The boot is quite small and suitable really for just a couple of pieces of soft luggage.
Overall however...nice work BMW..
Smooth, sophisticated and stylish, for around 68 K you can't go wrong, if the 228 takes your fancy.
Peter Sellen
The latest version of the Tucson is a beaut.A good looking quality offering from Hyundai.
Larger than previous models, the first impression I got was of the sophistication of the mid sized SUV, which replaces the previous ix 35.
It's quiet and the ride comfort is outstanding..
Urban ruts and bumps are taken with ease in a manner befitting a much more expensive vehicle.
There's plenty of room inside, and the seats are big and comfy. No sunroof in the test car but I didn't really miss it.
All the mod cons you's expect are in the cabin including reversing camera, cruise, bluetooth and a quality sound system.Steering effort is light and well weighted.. The Tucson corners with assured ease, surprisingly well considering its size.
Doors open wide for easy access and the sunvisors have a handy extension.
However the two litre engine in this model lacks sufficient torque for relaxed acceleration..121 kw and 203 nm just isn't enough.
Even with just the driver, occasionally when the right foot is planted there's hesitation and then a roar from the engine as the six speed transmission wakes up and kicks down. On the open road the Tucson is perhaps one of the quietest in its class.The only minor niggle is that the bonnet is quite heavy and relies on a rod to support it when open..a gas strut would be far superior here.
So for low 30k money the Tucson is a great improvement on the previous model,, both in looks, kit and refinement.
Peter Sellen
