I just read an article in the latest edition of Roundel where the 2AT was reviewed.

Here are some takeaways..

1) As far back as 2007, BMW decided that market segment for premium MPV's was one that offered growth potential. Frank Niederlander, responsible for the product management of the AT, says, "Annually, 20,000,000 units of such four door-hatchbacks-with a high roof are sold worldwide, of which 1,400,000 are premium models" This segment is expected to increase to 31,500,000 annually of which 2,200,000 are in the premium sector. BMW wants some of those sales.

2) The 2AT is not based on the 2 series platform but on a new type of UKL-architecture that has been designed for front wheel drive vehicles and that debuted in the new Mini. BMW has gained a lot of experience with front wheel drive since they took control of Mini. UKL stands for UnterKlasse or smaller class.

3) The boot has 16.4 cubic feet of luggage space which can be extended to 45.9 cubic feet by folding down the rear seats. This can be increased further by folding down the front passenger seat. Under the boot floor is a space designed to accommodate a foldable bicycle carrier. A seven seater variant is planned for next year and is expected to debut at Geneva.

4) There is a newly developed electric steering system with optional Servotronic fitted. The reviewer reports that contrary to expectations, the 2AT has no tendency to understeer. The test car was fitted with the Servotronic option.

The car reviewed was a 225i AT with 231 HP and 258 lb/ft of torque fitted with the optional 8 speed auto transmission with Sport mode. That's a two litre four cylinder engine to you and me. The reviewer says that when Sport mode was engaged, the steering became firmer and more precise while the engine ran 800rpm higher ( sounds like a lot ).

Nice when you're driving from Innsbruck to a ski resort in the Austrian Alps!!