The Star: March 09, 2017

The Star 41
Driven
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Thursday March 9 2017
The biggest range of vehicles in one location
Major makeover for
BMW’s versatile X1
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• By Ross Kiddie
GIVEN THE importance
of the SUV market,
especially the mainstream/
affordable section,
BMW wasn’t going to let
development wane on its
popular X1.
Recently, it received a
fairly hefty makeover, so
much so that BMW is
calling it a new generation
model.
While the concept has
been retained, the new
X1 has a more chunky,
muscular appearance
providing an aggressive
stance. The interior has also
been revised to offer more
space, and it carries more
kit in terms of innovation.
However, most
importantly, BMW have
revised the engine lineup
in the X1 to include
two brand new engines
– petrol and diesel. All
four powertrains are
more efficient and more
powerful than the previous
generation units.
The test car was
the xDrive20d, as its
nomenclature suggests it
is a four-cylinder, 2-litre,
turbocharged diesel model.
It is rated by BMW at
140kW and 400Nm, and
lays claim to an amazing
4.9-litre per 100km
(57mpg) combined cycle
fuel usage rating.
I wouldn’t dispute
that figure. During my
testing time the fuel usage
readout was constantly
listing around 6.5l/100km
(43mpg) with a stunning
4l/100km (70mpg)
available instantaneously
at 100km/h in eighth gear
(engine speed 1500rpm).
Yes, the engine drives
through a fabulous eightspeed
traditional gearbox.
There are steering wheelmounted
paddles if you
want to take control over
the gear-shifting process,
and if you want to force
sporty performance, sport
mode engine management
protocols are available
through a central consolemounted
switch. It also
offers eco pro mode for
BMW X1: Useful four-wheel-drive system.
economical motoring, or
normal mode; the latter I
far prefer and as you can
ascertain, it still provides
fuel consumption figures
to envy.
• Price – BMW X1,
$80,600
• Dimensions – Length,
4439mm; width,
1821mm; height,
1612mm
• Configuration – Fourcylinder,
four-wheeldrive,
1995cc, 140kW,
400Nm, eight-speed
automatic.
• Performance –
0-100km/h, 7.6sec
• Fuel usage –
4.9l/100km
And the economy
doesn’t come at the cost
of performance. The
X1 in this form is quick
with a 7.6sec standstill
to 100km/h time. It feels
constantly feisty beneath
the accelerator, and when
the turbo boost really kicks
in through the mid-range
the diesel X1 takes on a
sporty persona.
That is matched by a
well-tuned chassis and
suspension set-up. The
fully-independent set-up is
only moderately firmed so
that ride comfort has a high
priority. Yet the X1 can be
driven like a sports sedan,
it has decisive handling
manners and accuracy is
precise, while body balance
is well controlled.
XDrive simply means
four-wheel-drive, and that
adds in the grip factor.
CLEAN LINES: The X1 is fresh and stylish.
Even when conditions don’t
necessitate full involvement
of four-wheel-drive, the
X1 feels strongly attached
to the road all of the time,
and that imparts a secure
sensation underneath.
I like the way the X1
handles, it is almost
unnatural for an SUV and
takes on the characteristics
of BMW’s desirable sports
sedans; its pedigree shows
up in its performance.
Maximum torque is spread
strongly throughout the
rev range, which means
the slightest throttle
provocation will result in
eager response.
The X1 has also been
refreshed so that occupants
get a comfortable ride. It
can be classed as a true
five-seater, although at just
under 4.5m it isn’t a big
vehicle, but for the smaller
family, it is an SUV which
competes fairly in that
segment. And it has a load
space on par for vehicle
type.
The test car was carrying
a few optional extras,
but even at $80,600 the
xDrive20d represents value
for a premium vehicle,
and bear in mind that the
four-model range starts
at $59,900 for the petrolfuelled
two-wheel-drive
sDrive18d.
For the $80k you get
a host of kit including
satellite navigation, central
display screen, i-Drive
infotainment controller,
dual-zone climate control,
idle stop-start, and
ConnectedDrive, a driver
emergency assistance
platform and concierge
service, just to list a few of
the items.
The specification level is
something BMW does well,
you can option up through
a long list of accessories.
For that reason, the X1
is an important car for
BMW. It is priced so that
buyers can reach the brand
and enjoy the benefits
of a European buying
experience.
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198
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2010 Mercedes-Benz C220 CDi
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