Twice as good

SMALL convertibles are usually fun, but mostly for the two occupants up front because the other two behind usually suffer from squashed knees and what feels like gale force winds rearranging their hair and facial features. Surprisingly though, not for those in the back of the new BMW 2 Series Convertible. BMW's smallest convertible model is still compact, but it is longer, sleeker and more grown-up than the 1 Series Convertible it replaces.

Just as the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible were renamed the 4 Series, the former 1 Series Convertible is now the 2 Series Convertible. But unlike the 4 Series open-top model with its rigid retractable roof, the 2 Series retains its fabric hood. This gives it a softer,…