Style: August 03, 2018

STYLE | motoring 105
On that subject, the X2 is totally state of the art, its
electronics and software are the latest variations, and you can
guarantee that with upgrades the X2 will stay up with the play
for years to come.
Under the bonnet a twin-camshaft, turbocharged engine
of 1998cc sits transversely. It is rated by BMW at 141kW
with 280Nm of torque. Those figures relate to a solid flow of
energy from almost nil in the rev band to the red line. Power
is directed through a seven-speed automatic transmission,
and, if you add in the almost seamless flow of ratios, there’s a
constant feel of power and delivery.
Of course, the specific power outputs are high in the
first instance, they are more than capable of propelling the
X2 along in a swift fashion when required. Adjustable drive
modes also offer the driver a choice of how he or she
chooses to drive.
As you would expect from a performance car
manufacturer, the X2 is no slouch, it will scamper to 100km/h
from a standstill in 7.7sec, and will cut out a highway overtake
in around 4.5sec – the result of strong turbo boost through
the mid-range. The engine is feisty and loves to work some
freedom.
It is one of the latest generation engines that I have come
to enjoy so much from the luxury car brands, it’s a simple
equation – 2-litre, four pots and a sizeable turbo – that recipe
promotes strong under-throttle feel. There’s also some sound
within the system, you can hear a muffled exhaust flutter as
gears change when vigorous acceleration is requested.
That performance doesn’t come at a fuel usage cost. The
X2, in this form, is rated with a 5.9-litre per 100km (48mpg)
combined cycle average. At 100km/h on the highway the
engine is loping over gently at just 1500rpm promoting a
4l/100km (70mpg) instantaneous figure, which helped provide
a 7l/100km (41mpg) average during my time with the test car.
The X2 is nimble and is precise through the steering.
That can be attributed to the feedback from the tyres.
The low-profile Pirelli PZero rubber (225/40 x 20in) has
prodigious grip and combines well with steering geometry
and suspension settings which promote performance handling
qualities.
I’ve written many times of my enthusiasm for fully
independent suspension systems, and the X2 has a system
that is a fine balance between what we like as comfort
settings, yet there is enough firming within the spring and
dampers to control body balance and promote handling
characteristics that can be used for sporty drives.
That is what makes a sport utility vehicle in the first
instance. The X2 is dynamic yet functional. It’s more than
capable of battling the opposition, but the problem any
prospective purchaser will face will be the competition
within the brand. BMW certainly has a SUV for all tastes and
budgets.
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