Johannesburg - Back in 2012 we took a BMW X1 for an expedition to Mozambique and were impressed that it only got stuck once, when the belly beached itself on a middelmannetjie that proved just a little too high.
We took it offroad because we wanted to prove that the X1 was more than just a car with a higher seating position, and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system ended up coping impressively on a range of surfaces including soft-sand driving.
Still, people enjoy these compact SUVs chiefly for their elevated driving positions and car-like handling and the new second-generation X1 fulfils the brief.
In the new X1 the seating position has been cranked up by 36mm at the front and 64mm at the rear to give occupants a more ‘commanding’ view of the road.
At the same time this Sports Activity Vehicle (BMW doesn’t like the Utility term) feels like a regular car to drive despite its 183mm raised ground clearance, with none of the soggy, top-heavy driving nature that characterises more offroad-focussed SUVs.
The new X1 line-up offers a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel, all of them turbocharged four-cylinder units.
As before the all-wheel-drive models employ BMW’s xDrive intelligent system, while the two-wheel-drive models are now pulled along by their front wheels instead of pushed by the rears as with the previous X1.
A NEW DIRECTION
This is the second BMW vehicle range to adopt front-wheel-drive after the 2 Series Active Tourer, an interesting new direction for a company which has long worshipped at the rear-wheel-drive altar.
While driving purists might react with horror to these despicable acts of brand sabotage, in reality many car owners really can’t tell, and don’t really care, which axle is providing the motive force as long as the car grips and handles well.
And the new X1, of which we tested the XDrive 20d all-wheel-drive derivative, does cling to the road very capably indeed.
The all-wheel-drive system uses an electronically-operated multiplate clutch to distribute drive between the front and rear axle as required for the driving situation. In addition a cornering brake-control system brakes the inside wheels to minimise understeer when you’re attacking the twisties, and for a crossover vehicle with an elevated ground clearance the X1 really does handle exceptionally well.
It doesn’t wallow or understeer and pretty much feels as nippy as a regular car.
DECENT RIDE, SMOOTH DIESEL
We didn’t take the X1 on any offroad expeditions this time, but exposed it to some gravel roads where it proved to have a decent ride quality. Rougher surfaces expose a little firmness in the suspension which was exacerbated by the optional 18” lower-profile tyres fitted to our test car, but the standard higher-profile 17s should smooth out the ride. Electronic damper control is available as an extra-cost option.
The 2-litre turbodiesel is rated at 140kW and 400Nm and is paired with an eight-speed Steptronic auto transmission.
It’s a smooth and gutsy engine, hauling the car along at a pace that the modest-sounding 20d badge doesn’t really do justice to.
In our high-altitude Gauteng test the X1 scampered to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds, which doesn’t sound desperately fast but it’s the effortless low- and mid-range torque that stands out. The maximum torque is on tap from just 1 750rpm, making for very easygoing performance with no lag, and the eight-speed automatic whips smoothly through its gearshifts.
Combine this with its very light fuel thirst – our test car averaged just 7.1 litres per 100km – and you’ll understand why a 2-litre turbo-diesel is our favourite engine for a mix of power and economy.
Overall the X1 diesel delivers a refined driving experience with well-muted wind and road noise, as befits its status as a premium compact SUV selling for over half a million rand.
ROOMY INSIDE
The cabin has grown over the previous model and rear seat space is very roomy. It’s also quite versatile in that the back seats can optionally be adjusted for legroom and backrest angle. The 505 litre boot is 85 litres bigger than its predecessor’s, and the rear seats flip down flat (optionally at the touch of a button), which expands the load bay to 1 550 litres.
It was also good to see a spare wheel (a space saver) in the boot, which gives additional peace of mind to go with the runflat tyres that are fitted. BMW SA recently re-adopted the policy of using spares in its cars after realising that even runflats sometimes get too badly damaged to continue driving.
A new extra-cost option available in the second-generation X1 is a head-up display which, as in the larger BMW X models, projects driving-related information directly onto the windscreen. If you have budget left over from paying sin tax on booze, tobacco and sugar, you can also specify extra-cost toys like an automatic tailgate, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, active cruise-control system, lane-departure warning, and satnav among many others.
Items like park-distance control, leather seats, climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth and USB audio system with a 6.5” display, six airbags, ABS brakes, and stability control all come standard, however. The X1’s cabin has the typically classy and businesslike feel of all BMWs, and for the most part well laid-out controls and ergonomics. The exception was that I battled to get a full view of the curiously narrow instrument panel, and either the top or bottom numbers were obscured unless I adjusted the height of the seat and steering wheel to what wasn’t necessarily the most comfortable driving position. An odd faux pas by a brand with usually good ergonomics.
VERDICT
With its higher seating position, expanded space and improved versatility, the new X1 makes an even better family vehicle. The 20d xDrive is the pick of the range for its fuel economy and all-weather traction, but take my advice: take it with the standard smoother-riding 17” tyres. The price of R566 821 includes a two-year, unlimited distance warranty and a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
BMW X1 VS ITS RIVALS:
BMW X1 xDrive 20d auto- 140kW and 400Nm, R566 821
Audi Q3 2.0 TDI quattro- 135kW and 380 Nm, R552 000
Mercedes GLA 220d 4Matic- 130kW and 350Nm, R538 426