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AUTO REVIEW

BMW styling--too many trees and not enough for-
est--also applies to the 2-series.
The 230i’s interior is monochromatic and unin-
spiring with materials that generally disappoint. But
while the interior will not impress owners of higher
end luxury cars, it is unmistakably BMW, and given
the 230i’s modest price point—it starts at around
$34,000 — will please its intended audience.
Naturally, the 230i’s cabin is small. There’s little
elbow room in the front, let alone in the cramped
rear seats, and there’s not much space for luggage
etc even if you fold the rear seats down.
But the 230i isn’t about interior cushiness or
space for rear seat passengers, it’s about driving
pleasure, and on that score it does very well. Almost
250HP is more than enough to provide brisk accel-
eration, and BMW engineers are to be commended
for minimizing turbo lag. In the early days of tur-
bocharging, lag was an annoying reality of spirited
driving. Now power is delivered as soon as you hit
the throttle.
dles very well with reassuring neutrality through
Given its small size and low weight, the 230i han-

corners but also good stability on the highway.
Twisty B-roads are where the 230i is most comfort-
able, and that’s where the diminutive Bimmer and I
bonded. My tester had RWD, which lessens weight
over the front axle, and a manual six-speed, which
maximizes driver involvement, and it was nothing
but fun when I took it up my favorite curvy moun-
tain road.
My test car did not have the $2300 Track Han-
dling package, which includes two-mode adaptive
dampers, variable-ratio steering, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport sum- BMW sells an amazingly wide variety of vehicles these days, and
mer tires on 18-inch wheels, and I didn’t miss it. If I were configur- I’m happy that they haven’t neglected the lower end of the market.
ing my own 230i I’d be tempted by this option but would worry The 230i coupe is fun to drive and satisfying to own, which is what
about ride quality. BMWs have historically been. And it’s more accessible than its pricier
Standard features in the 230i include push-button starting, rain- siblings.
sensing windshield wipers, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Interestingly, no 2018 2-series model offers blind-spot protection or If you’re in the market for this kind of vehicle, call Phil Hornbeak
adaptive cruise control, features found on numerous less prestigious at 210-301-4367.
cars. Nevertheless, load a 230i up with options ¬— and there are
many — and you can find yourself paying more than $50,000, which Stephen Schutz, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist
is 4-series money. who lived in San Antonio in the 1990s when he was stationed
As always, a conversation with BCMS’ Phil Hornbeak before you here in the U.S. Air Force. He has been writing auto reviews
choose your next new car is recommended. for San Antonio Medicine since 1995.

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