BMW 2-series Active Tourer makes world debut at the Geneva motor show

Like it or not, BMW's front-wheel future is trundling our way fast: The new 2-series Active Tourer, a front-wheel-drive MPV powered by a range of transverse-mounted three- and four-cylinder motors made its official debut Tuesday at the Geneva motor show.

There wasn't much we didn't know about the 2-series Active Tourer ahead of the show -- catch yourself up with our full breakdown -- but seeing it in the steel drove home the point that this thing is happening, and we're powerless to stop it.

It won't be all bad, though. While the five-door probably won't be as flingable as the rear-wheel-drive 2-series sedan, the Active Tourer shares a platform with the nimble new Mini Cooper. Naturally, it gets its own look -- including BMW styling cues like the double-kidney grille and the Hofmeister kink.

The 2-series Active Tourer is set to receive a range of powertrain options; though Europeans will see a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine (the first in a production BMW) and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four from the get-go, the U.S. launch model will likely be a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline inline-four.

A six-speed manual comes standard with three-cylinder cars, but there's an optional six-speed automatic available. Four-cylinder cars get an eight-speed automatic equipped with a launch control function, for what that's worth. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is optional.

About the Geneva motor show

The 2014 Geneva motor show runs March 6-16 and is expected to attract a range of production and concept cars as diverse as the Jeep Renegade and the new Koenigsegg One:1. Check out Autoweek's complete coverage at autoweek.com/geneva-auto-show.

By Graham Kozak