The 16-valve, 2.0-litre inline-4 gets a single twin-scroll turbocharger; its 241 hp is backed by no less than 258 lb.-ft of torque that peaks at just 1,250 rpm. Channelled through a new 8-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and the brand’s xDrive all-wheel traction hardware, the X1 gets to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, and dashes through the quarter mile in 14.7 seconds at 152 km/h. Not bad.
How’s that engine sound? It obviously lacks the silky scream of a BMW inline-6, but it’s got a tad of throatiness that seems well suited to the X1; we’re not sure 5 Series shoppers will go for it, but the 4-cylinder’s output is nothing to be ashamed of.
Our fuel economy average of 9.6 L/100km is proof that low-rpm torque helps keep engine revs under control and still gets the vehicle moving swiftly. At a steady 100 km/h, the 2.0-litre unit is spinning at only 1,600 rpm.
The X1 doesn’t feel as sporty as the 328i Touring, and its suspension isn’t as stiff, but it’s still a very capable machine and one that’s up to the task of supporting some pretty rough country-road driving. We think it’s tuned just right for newcomers to the brand.
No-thrills cockpit
While the interior assembly is top-notch, there are some low-budget plastic components that give away the fact that we’re sitting in a low-priced model. And BMW’s cockpit designs are starting to feel old; actually, I shouldn’t say “old” as much as a very slowly evolving design.
The sound system, however, does feel old, with its monochrome, two-line display. When you don’t purchase the optional navigation system, you get a storage compartment instead with a clumsy lid. In pure BMW tradition, the interior is dark and somewhat cold, although for an extra $585, you can get wood trim which helps.
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| Power comes from a turbo 2.0L four that pumps out 241 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
How’s that engine sound? It obviously lacks the silky scream of a BMW inline-6, but it’s got a tad of throatiness that seems well suited to the X1; we’re not sure 5 Series shoppers will go for it, but the 4-cylinder’s output is nothing to be ashamed of.
Our fuel economy average of 9.6 L/100km is proof that low-rpm torque helps keep engine revs under control and still gets the vehicle moving swiftly. At a steady 100 km/h, the 2.0-litre unit is spinning at only 1,600 rpm.
The X1 doesn’t feel as sporty as the 328i Touring, and its suspension isn’t as stiff, but it’s still a very capable machine and one that’s up to the task of supporting some pretty rough country-road driving. We think it’s tuned just right for newcomers to the brand.
No-thrills cockpit
While the interior assembly is top-notch, there are some low-budget plastic components that give away the fact that we’re sitting in a low-priced model. And BMW’s cockpit designs are starting to feel old; actually, I shouldn’t say “old” as much as a very slowly evolving design.
The sound system, however, does feel old, with its monochrome, two-line display. When you don’t purchase the optional navigation system, you get a storage compartment instead with a clumsy lid. In pure BMW tradition, the interior is dark and somewhat cold, although for an extra $585, you can get wood trim which helps.
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| The cockpit’s appearance isn’t very exciting. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |