More space in latest BMW X1
As BMW and Mini move closer and closer in terms of parts bin and platform sharing, the latest X1 small SUV has emerged with front-wheel drive, freeing up more space inside the vehicle. John Oxley reports.
It had to happen eventually. With Mini getting bigger 4WD models, there had to be some rationalisation, and it’s been the BMW X1 that has been the one to change its character and offer only front-wheel drive in its 2WD versions – although 4WD models are still available. It’s been a move that has freed up a lot of interior space, including the ability to slide the rear seats backwards and forwards for more versatility, but it has come at a price in terms of ride quality, which is definitely more brittle on rougher roads than the outgoing model’s. That said, the X1 is no wilting violet, and in two-litre turbo-diesel form as tested here – official designation 2.0d – it’s a bright performer and uber-economical. Other than that, the X1 is extremely wellequipped, as you’d expect at its price point, generally comfortable, and easy to drive, with lots of driver aids to make it even better. These include radar-assisted cruise control which will bring the vehicle to a complete stop if necessary, Parking Assistant, which spots parking places and then helps you park by twirling the steering while you just operate the brake, gears and accelerator, plus an excellent high resolution rearview camera and park distance control. The X1 also has Active Guard, which warns of a potential collision, and will brake lightly at low speeds. For the shoppers among you – which I guess at some stage includes everyone, the tailgate can be opened at the push of a button on the key fob, although it hasn’t got the trick “foot waving” function offered by the Ford Kuga, for one. What it does have, though, is heated front seats, LED headlights, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with satellite controls for the audio, phone, and so on. Bluetooth connectivity comes standard, of course, as does sat-nav and BMW Connecteddrive, which allows a host of apps and features, as well as real-time traffic information, and even an emergency services function in the event of a crash. One thing that hasn’t changed much is the general appearance of the X1. View the old and new side by side and it doesn’t take much to see the differences, but in general the new one follows the same path as the old, and that’s no bad thing. Whereas the 2 Series Active Tourer (also built on the Mini platform) has an ungainly and slightly clumsy appearance, the X1 retains a solid SUV look and stance. It shows on the road, too, with that lusty two-litre diesel kicking out a massive 400Nm of torque, coupled with a super-smooth eightspeed auto gearbox ensuring the power curve is always spot on. Handling is as expected. Front-wheel drive gives good grip out of corners, but if you push it hard don’t be surprised if the front wheels squeal in protest. As I mentioned earlier, going front-wheel drive has meant a big bonus in terms of interior space, especially in the back, where BMW claims 37mm more legroom, enlarging to 66mm if you push the rear seats back (which, of course, then limits load space). Talking of loadability, we liked the buttons in the cargo area which help to easily tumble down the rear seats to take bigger loads, and there are hooks in the back for shopping bags. All-in-all a good package. The X1 is well built, nice looking, and a pleasure to drive. As for economy, well BMW claims 4.9L/100km overall. We couldn’t manage that, but were very happy for figures in the low sixes!