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BMW X101 October 2009

Recommended.

A very capable addition to the small SUV market from BMW that should appeal to premium buyers looking to downsize.

Our rating:

4
BMW X1
 
 

Fifth Gear BMW X1 review

 
 

1. Looks are a good balance of car and SUV
2. Option of two-wheel drive to bring cost and CO2 down
3. Car-like handling

WE DON'T LIKE

1. Ill-defined difference between the X1 and X3
2. Firm ride when fitted with run-flat tyres
3. Not cheap to buy - and even more expensive when you start adding options

 
 

BMW has recognised the unpopularity of SUVs in the current climate of environmental awareness and has followed the trend for downsizing by adding a smaller model to its X range, the X1.

From most angles, the X1 looks like any other X model, with its rugged front and rear bumpers, muscular exterior and bulging side skirts. But there are also distinctly car-like features: for example, the elongated bonnet and hatchback-style tailgate are closer to that of a 1-Series than an X3.

Inside, the car-like theme continues with a beautifully finished dashboard and a centre console that has been angled subtly towards the driver's seat for a more cockpit-like feel. The driving position itself, although 8cm lower than the X3, is still higher than a conventional car, giving the X1 driver a more elevated viewpoint.

On the road, the X1 benefits from having characteristics from both cars and SUVs. BMW has kept body roll sufficiently in check to allow it to be capable of a lively back-road sprint and, when equipped with four-wheel drive, there's a good deal of grip too. The ride feels sophisticated and it proves itself to be very comfortable when called upon to travel long distances.

The X1 is the first X model to be available in both two-wheel drive (sDrive) and 4WD (xDrive). In 2WD guise, power is sent to the rear wheels, so there's even an element of the focused, rear-wheel-drive nature you expect from other models in the BMW range.

Leave the tarmac though, (which BMW admits few owners are likely to do) and the X1 turns into very capable off-roader. It even holds its own over rugged terrain in 2WD form.

The diesel-only line-up of three engines comprises 18d, 20d and 23d units generating 143, 170 and 200bhp, respectively. The pick of the bunch is the excellent 20d, which, while punchy, also serves up impressive CO2 emissions and fuel economy - especially in rear-wheel-drive form.

So the X1 is yet another accomplished SUV from BMW that will slot into the small SUV market above the VW Tiguan and Ford Kuga. Where its arrival will leave the less well-received X3 is anyone's guess.

Fifth Gear overall car ratings

STYLING

The X1 is a decent-looking SUV with rugged styling coupled with car-like features, such as the long bonnet and hatchback rear. Inside, the interior is classic and unfussy - befitting of this type of car.

HANDLING

The X1 is very capable off and on the road. When pushing on, it feels composed and controlled in tight bends: there's also excellent stability and a decent level of grip, especially when fitted with four-wheel drive. In two-wheel-drive the X1 feels less poised, but it's still fun to drive.

COMFORT

The X1 possesses very large seats for a relatively small car. They're made all the more comfortable thanks to a suspension set-up that can cope with most bumps and potholes effortlessly - although some models are fitted with run-flat tyres that can make the ride a little on the firm side. The cabin is beautifully finished with plenty of light and excellent visibility, with wind and road noise kept to a minimum and any engine growl is only really audible under heavy acceleration.

QUALITY & RELIABILITY

Its hard to fault the X1 for quality. The interior has all the soft-touch materials and excellent build quality we've come to expect from BMW over the years. We expect reliability to be extremely good too.

PERFORMANCE

The X1's engine range consists of three diesel engines, with the 18d, 20d, 23d generating 140bhp, 173bhp and 198bhp, respectively. The 23d will get the X1 from standstill to 62mph in 7.3 seconds while even the lesser-powered 18d will manage the same in less than 10 seconds with two-wheel drive.

ROOMINESS

BMW is claiming X3 levels of rear space in the X1 and we can't disagree. There's plenty of room for two adults in the rear - the middle seat will fit a third at a squeeze - and there is ample storage throughout the cabin. Bootspace is good, at 420 litres (around 60 litres less than the X3) but with the seats folded completely flat it expands to over 1,350 litres, which is comparable to a 3-Series Touring.

STEREO / SAT NAV

As you'd expect from a BMW, the X1 is fitted with a very good six-speaker stereo and the option of integrated or aftermarket sat nav, both of which are intuitive with clear and easy-to-understand graphics.

RUNNING COSTS

For an SUV the X1 is suprisingly frugal. There are only diesel engines on offer so all offer decent fuel economy ranging from 44.8mpg up to 53.4mpg. Likewise the 2WD sDrive18d offers CO2 emissions of just 136g/km costing just £120 per year in road tax. Its a BMW so servicing costs will be higher than a non-premium brand but insurance costs should be reasonable.

VALUE FOR MONEY

The X1 is a premium offering in the SUV market, so it is priced higher than some of its more mainstream competitors - and that's before you start ticking the boxes on a long options list, which can mean a moderately spec'ed car can easily start to cost around £27-28K.

ENVIRONMENT

For an SUV, the X1 is certainly one of the least offensive, environmentally speaking. With the option of 2WD for the first time in an X car, BMW has been able to reduce CO2 emissions. Equipped with the 18d engine and 2WD, CO2 emissions are just 136g/km. All X1s have also been kitted out with the latest BMW EfficientDynamics technology.

This review has been tagged with: BMW | BMW X1

 
 
 

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