WHEN the missus walks in with a new haircut you’re supposed to notice it.
You’re supposed to be gushy and say: “That looks nice. Money well spent.”
If not, silent treatment and microwave dinner for one.
It’s a bit like when BMW unveiled the new X2. When the covers came off, no one really acknowledged it.
Sure, it looks different, but no one really cared. And I’m not sure it’s money well spent.
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I actually prefer the old X2. The one with BMW badges on the rear pillars, a nod to the legendary 3.0 CSL.
This new one mimics the X4 and X6 coupes and, I’ll say it, looks fugly.
It’s also bigger in all directions. When was the last time a car company made a smaller version?
Although, to be fair, there is more knee room for gangly teens in the back and more boot space for family debris.
Hop into the driver’s seat and you soon forget the meh looks because the cabin has had a full wash, cut and blow dry.
We have zero complaints about the quality of the materials and the tech, crowned by that slick, curved display screen.
Swipe the widgets left or right like a smartphone for music, maps and more, and you’ll even find in-car gaming.
We played footie with one of the German engineers. Beat him 2-0.
Let’s repeat that at the Euros please, Gareth.
You’ll like the floating armrest and chunky foot rest. They’re more than welcome on long journeys.
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You’ll like the new seats. They’re well supported and super comfy.
You’ll like the tilted smartphone tray.
As for engines, there are four to choose from – two petrol and two pure electric.
The £40k car is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo producing 170hp.
Then there’s the beefy M35i xDrive with a 2-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo sending 300hp to all four wheels.
The M people have worked their usual magic on the suspension, steering and brakes but the engine sound is a bit of a wet fart. It needed a straight-six.
Don’t get me wrong – this car isn’t slow, but your £50k is better spent elsewhere.
The electric iX2 M Sport starts at £51k with the 204hp e-motor/65kWh battery combo good for 272 miles or so.
The dual-motor iX2 xDrive30 M Sport is 313hp and rockets from 0-62mph in just 5.6 seconds, two-tenths slower than the petrol M35i, but costs a gobsmacking £57k.
Hang on a minute. The new Mini Countryman is closely related to X2 and is £10k cheaper across the board.
Don’t like the new haircut? Get a new missus.
