IT doesn't look at all sporty and power goes to the 'wrong' wheels for a BMW but the latest model from the Bavarian car maker is going to cause big ripples in the sales pond.

For BMW expects most buyers of a new 2 Series Active Tourer to come from other brands, and half of them to be mature empty nesters, more likely to transport grandchildren than their own offspring.

And these buyers won't care that the upright stance of the newcomer says 'practical' much more than sporty. Indeed, they'll relish the space this releases for both people and luggage - and still admire the BMW badge on the bonnet.

They'll bother even less that this is the first BMW to drive through its front wheels - like almost every family car made these past many decades, but an absolute no-no in BMW terms until now.

Pushing power through the rear wheels is still best for absolute precision from the steering and making a powerful car punch through bends, but the 2 Series Active Tourer has other priorities, and manages pretty well anyway, thank you.

This is a car aimed at the heart of a quickly growing part of the car market, ignored until now by BMW but heavily patrolled for years past by Mercedes-Benz with its B-class and the posher versions of cars like the Ford C-Max and, a very recent arrival, the VW Golf SV.

All attempt a dash of style while remembering that practicality wins the day and the new BMW is a fine example of this principle.

It is barely longer than BMW's own 1 Series hatchback but a little taller than a BMW X1 SUV, resulting in a car that will fit four six-footers in comfort (five at a pinch) yet take up only modest amounts of road space.

A back seat that folds (easily from levers in the boot) in three sections and can be slid horizontally to favour luggage or rear passengers' legs, and an electrically powered tailgate as standard show BMW has taken everyday practicality to heart.

Under the bonnet there's a choice of a single petrol or diesel engine, with more arriving soon to offer more power and the option of all-wheel drive, a feature that will cost at least £29,175 to capture in a high-end only models.

In fact, the new Active Tourer starts from a much more reasonable £22,125, a figure that will strike fear into rivals with less prestigious badges.

That brings you a petrol powered 218i SE which, contrary to a well earned reputation for mean levels of standard kit on upper crust German cars, is actually pretty well equipped.

Standard kit includes alloy wheels, DAB radio and Bluetooth, rear parking sensors, dual zone climate control, auto wipers and lights and the powered tailgate already mentioned.

Under the bonnet sits a new three-cylinder engine that promises good economy and feels plenty quick enough for the family-lugging role most Active Tourers will slip into - a drive over a variety of roads showed 40mpg on the strikingly clear dashboard that continues a BMW tradition of making things easier for the driver.

That continues with positive steering, a commanding driving position and buttons and switches that remind you of the car's quality every time you touch them.

Less impressive was a gearchange that puts first and reverse so close together that I started moving backwards at the lights until I learned to take more care and a ride that occasionally turned lumpy on some surfaces.

An automatic, diesel powered Active Tourer (from £24,205 plus £1,685 for the auto gears) pulled better still and showed 50mpg on a run and will win a lot of friends.