Test Drive: 2014 BMW 228i

BMW is renowned as a master of the small to medium-sized coupe or sedan with serious sports car aspirations. The 2014 BMW 228i Coupe is no exception and it won’t cost you an arm or leg to drive if you keep the options in check. Call it the affordable Bimmer with enough oomph and panache to keep the smiles wide for many years.

Power comes in the form of a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower at 5,000-6,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 1,450-4,800 rpm. Matched to an automatic transmission, this rear-wheel-drive coupe accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.

The exterior is all BMW, a striking crease line running the full length, drawing your eye along the body to the rear wing. Muscular haunches front and rear give the impression of a coupe always ready for action.

Inside, sport seats and the Bavarian automakers typical driver-first mentality will have you and your equally impressed passengers begging for the open road. Except for the ones in the back seat. There is also a new convertible version coming in 2015, so you can have your hardtop and leave it, too.

Priced at $36,000 to start, those seeking a little more from their 2 Series may opt for the topline 2014 BMW M235i Coupe at $45,000. Either way, the new 2 Series coupe is sure to impress with its exceptional road manners and easy on the eyes good looks.

To see for yourself, buckle up for this Exhausted 1/4-Mile video review.