The compact X factor

HIGH torque turbo-diesel engines have made BMW’s latest offering youthful, versatile, and efficient.

Easy to drive and equally as easy on the eye, the X1 combines the rugged looks of the X family with the agility of the 1 Series.

This sporty design character of the five-door contrasts with muscular bumpers, flared wheel arches and upright kidney grille.

It has been just over a decade that the Bavarian luxury brand introduced its groundbreaking X5. Since then, BMW has expanded its lineup with the X3 and X6 and now the new X1 seeks to attract a new generation of customers who enjoy an active lifestyle. Pitched to those that spend time driving and enjoying the great outdoors, the car is probably too compact for families wishing to transport all the necessities for a day out with young children.

But thanks to a long wheelbase that matches that of the 3 Series, the X1 provides a generous sense of space inside the cabin, with a high driving position and optimised all-round visibility and ample room in the rear seats.

BMW Group Australia managing director, Stavros Yallouridis, says the xDrive all wheel drive system will appeal to a younger demographic.

“The youthful, versatile and efficient BMW X1 broadens the attraction of our very successful X family and will appeal to young urban customers with an active and varied lifestyle,” he says.

There are two all-wheel drive turbo diesel models available – the X1 xDrive23d that delivers 150kW of power and a peak torque of 400Nm and the X1 xDrive20d generating 130kW and 350Nm.

A rear-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbo diesel X1 sDrive20d that consumes 5.3 litres per 100km and produces only 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre will join the other two ultra efficient turbo diesel models next month.

BMW will also introduce two petrol models; an entry-level rear-drive X1 sDrive18i with a 110kW four-cylinder engine and the powerful 160kW straight six-cylinder all-wheel drive X1 xDrive25i.

The car features a long list of luxury features as standard including automatic climate control, cruise control with brake function, rear park distance control (PDC) power windows and mirrors, BMW Professional CD/MP3 audio system with USB/AUX-in connections, Bluetooth connectivity, multi function leather sport steering wheel, daytime driving lights, 17-inch Light alloy wheels and storage compartment.

Options include panoramic glass roof, rear view camera, quality Nevada leather trim, sports seats, navigation systems with the latest drive controller, Bi-Xenon headlights, adaptive headlights and Harman/Kardon surround sound.

The sDrive18i, manual starts at $43,500 with the top of the range 23d from $59,280.