A NEW convertible is joining the BMW line up and it's arriving well in time for some fun in the sun.

The 2-Series Convertible is a soft-top four-seater that is set to carry on from where its predecessor left off.

That car was the open top version of the 1-Series and the newcomer follows BMW's recent shift to use odd numbers for its regular models and even ones for more adventurous designs.

The latest 2-Series joins the larger 4 and 6-Series convertibles as the Bavarian brand's open top offerings which will set you back anything from £29,180 for the new model to the best part of £100,000 in the case of the very quick M6.

Compared to the car it replaces the 2-Series Convertible is some three inches longer, has a bigger wheelbase and crucially has a wider track at the rear which means it feels much more planted.

Initially it comes with a choice of four engines - two 2.0-litre petrols developing either 184 or 245bhp, a 3.0-litre six pot with 326 brake and a torquey 2.0-litre diesel with 190bhp on tap.

Other engines, including BMW's new three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo petrol, will be coming on stream as will all-wheel-drive X-Drive models.

All have a brisk turn of pace but it is the diesel which stacks up as the most rounded when it comes to all round performance and economy.

Officially it is rated at 60.1mpg when fitted with a six-speed manual box and is even more fuel efficient as an auto which takes average consumption up to 64.2mpg. Emissions are 124 and 116g/km respectively.

In the real world fuel consumption is likely to be in the region of 45 to the gallon and we averaged 46.5mpg on a run in and around town.

As part of BMW's Efficient Dynamics set up the 220d has a stop/start system which works effectively with a lively restart and through the gears there's plenty of pull.

It will deliver a sporty drive and that's reflected by the performance statistics of 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds with a top end of 140mph.

In this class of cabriolet this is the only rear-wheel-drive model, a characteristic that will satisfy the purists and there is no doubt that this is a car with true credentials.

It feels sturdy and robust even though it actually very agile and lighter than the 1-Series.

A multi-mode drive system allows for the car to be switched into a sport setting at the push of a button or reconfigured for eco driving.

BMW has stayed true to convertible convention and fits the car with a hood which is electrically operated and folds up or down in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 30mph.

The hood stows under a metal tonneau behind the cockpit minimal impact on boot space which is of decent proportions and ranges from 280 litres with the top open to 335 litres with it closed.

It's is not a bad looker with the roof up but with it down it takes on a delightfully sleek profile while from behind it has a wide, low stance.

Noise insulation is good with the hood up and with a wind deflector fitted across the rear seats any turbulence inside is minimal, although as such it is strictly a two seater.

The 220 diesel costs from £29,965 and all models come with Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, twin exhausts, keyless operation and sports seats.

Navigation is an option at £595 or £1,890 for the BMW Professional comms system which includes Internet connectivity, an apps interface and free data updates which now arrive wirelessly.

As open tops go this one is high on style, nicely powerful and wears not only the right sort of badge but also delivers on all fronts, especially when it comes to whole life costs.