After revealing the 750d (with four turbochargers) and the M140i / M240i duo, BMW is introducing the 230i which will serve as a replacement for the 228i. Along with the name change comes some extra punch as the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pumps out 252 horsepower (185 kilowatts), up by 7 hp (5 kW) compared to the outgoing 228i.

The bump in output comes from making the switch to the B48 engine found inside the 330i and it generates a maximum torque of 258 pound-feet (350 newton meters). You’ll be able to get the 230i with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional eight-speed Steptronic automatic that can also be had in a sports version.

In terms performance, the manual 230i Coupe will run the 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) sprint in 5.8 seconds, making it 0.2s slower than the automatic version. If you would rather have the 230i Convertible, that one is a bit heavier so it’s slower in the sprint, needing 6.1 seconds with the manual and 5.9 seconds if you pay extra for the automatic.

BMW will open the order books for the 230i Coupe and Convertible in July and both cars will look the same as the respective 228i, with the obvious exception of the new “230i” badge. To spice things up, BMW will add from July an optional black Dakota leather trim with blue contrast stitching. It’s going to be available not just for the 230i, but for the entire 2 Series range as well as for all the 1, 3, and 4 Series models.

Note: Photo shows 2015 228i Coupe in U.S. specification with Track Handling Package

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July 2016 will see the launch of the BMW 2 Series’ sportiest four-cylinder variants with a power output increase of 5 kW/7 hp to 185 kW/252 hp vs. their predecessors and with the model designations BMW 230i Coupe and BMW 230i Convertible. These also come as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and optionally with an 8-speed Steptronic or 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission respectively. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is completed by the BMW 230i Coupe in 5.8 seconds (automatic: 5.6 seconds). Average fuel consumption is between 6.4 and 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres (5.9 – 5.7 litres) and CO2 emissions are between 147 and 142 grams per kilometre (134 – 130 g/km). The BMW 230i Convertible accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds (automatic: 5.9 seconds) and has a combined fuel consumption of 6.8 to 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres (6.2 – 6.0 litres). CO2 emissions are between 155 and 149 grams per kilometre (142 – 137 g/km (figures as per EU test cycle, depending on selected tyre size).

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