• All diesels promise impressive economy
• Good resale values
• Servicing plans available

Unsurprisingly, if you’re after the best fuel economy then head for one of the 2 Series Coupe’s diesel engines. Most economical is the automatic 218d with a claim of 49.6-51.4 mpg under the more rigorous WLTP testing method. The punchier 220d isn’t far behind at 48.7-50.4mpg if you stick with the automatic.

The most economical petrol on offer is the 218i returning up to a claimed 37.2-38.2mpg – this time for the automatic. Predictably, the least efficient is the M2 CS with an official figure of 27.2-30.1mpg – although drive it hard and it will struggle to get close to that.

Given the sporty nature of the 2 Series Coupe, its miles per pound figures are acceptable rather than outstanding, at 4.1 - 6.3 mpp.

With no plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the 2 Series Coupe to produce very low levels of carbon dioxide emissions, company car drivers are most likely to be attracted – again – to the automatic 218d with an official rating of 122g/km of CO2.

BMW 2 Series running costs are somewhat offset by decent resale values: the car loses about 40% of its original value over three years and 36,000 miles – with much of the drop occurring in the first year.

Servicing costs can be kept under control with the company’s comprehensive three-year or 36,000-mile service plan available on all new BMWs, but be warned that consumables such as brakes and tyres will be expensive, particularly on the M240i.

Is the 2 Series Coupe reliable?

• BMW has a decent reliability record
• Car feels solid and well-built
• Number of minor recalls since launch in 2014

BMW 2 Series reliability shouldn’t give potential customers much to worry about, with the company maintaining a solid dependability record when it comes to mechanical faults

That said, the 2 Series Coupe has had five official DVLA recalls since 2014 – all of which should have been remedied. Check with BMW for confirmation before buying a used model.

Overall, there’s a feeling of solidity about the 2 Series’ construction and materials, although it’s not as imperious as Audi’s TT in terms of expensive-feeling plastics. However, it should function well into old age.