By: Jason Woosey
BMW's dumpy-looking original X1 has made way for an all-new second generation model that's markedly different on the surface and beneath.
With a design that takes more influence from its larger X3 and X5 'Sports Activity Vehicle' siblings, the new X1 is likely to prove easier on the eye and somewhat more desirable to buyers in the premium compact segment.
Beneath the skin it follows the 2 Series Active Tourer onto BMW's front-wheel drive platform. Yet while lower-rung models put their power through the front wheels, an optimised version of BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system is still offered on most variants.
COMING HERE SOON
The new X1 is set to reach South African showrooms in October this year offering a range of five variants.
The most affordable of these is the front-driven sDrive18i, powered by BMW's 100kW 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbopetrol and if that seems to small your other FWD option is the 20i, which is fitted with BMW's 141kW/280Nm 2-litre turbopetrol. This mid-ranger is optionally available with all-wheel drive but move up to the xDrive25i and that becomes standard. This performance flagship is fitted with a 170kW/350Nm version of that aforementioned 2-litre and will get from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds according to BMW.
The diesel-powered xDrive20d has the same cubic capacity and sends 140kW/400Nm through all four wheels and sips a claimed 4.9 litres per 100km on the combined cycle compared to 6.4 and 5.9 - 6.3 l/100km in the case of the 25i and 20i petrol models.
The engines are mated to upgraded versions of BMW's six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic gearboxes.
These latest-generation engines, coupled with a reduction in overall vehicle weight achieved by more liberal use of lightweight materials, make the new X1 up to 17 percent more efficient than before.
STANDING TALL(ER)
Having grown 53mm taller, the new X1 has a more spacious cabin with higher seating positions and extra knee room while boot capacity increased by 85 litres to 505 litres with the rear seats in place and up to 1550 litres when the 40:20:40 rear seat backrest is folded down.
The cockpit has a driver-focused design and BMW's iDrive operating system, with a 6.5-inch display, is standard. For those seeking to make a more individual style statement, BMW will offer four packages: Advantage, Sport Line, xLine and M Sport.
Available gadgets include Dynamic Damper Control, the latest Head-Up Display system and BMW's Driving Assistant Plus with Active Cruise Control and Stop & Go function.
South African prices and specifications will be divulged closer to its launch date four months from now.