73 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer: Practical but great fun nonetheless

A people carrier from the firm that claims the ultimate driving machine both as an advertising tagline and an actual physical vehicle (E30 M3 – you had to ask?). What's it doing building a tall-roofed family bubble? Well, what it's actually doing is a really good job of it. BMW has clearly seen a gap in the market for well-heeled mums and dads who need space and practicality, but don't want to have to trade-in their slick and sleek Germanic machinery. So, the Active Tourer is decently spacious and, in Active Grand Tourer form, can be specced with seven seats. The dashboard, shared with the X1 SUV, is actually pretty handsome and in spite of being front-wheel drive (shock, horror!) it's more than a little engaging to drive. Pricey, for a family car? Most definitely but there are obviously sufficient high-earning family drivers out there to make it all work. 225xe plug-in hybrid is a good option – low on emissions but surprisingly high on fun factor.

Price range: €32,125 to €51,340

Co2 emissions: 46 to 152g/km

Which one? 225xe for the daring, 218d is fine for the rest of us

PCP from €POA