BMW X1 Revised

It's the latest BMW X1 – moderately facelifted, with a revised interior, mind boggling trim choices and a whole new range of super-efficient diesel engines. The lowest sum of money you need to get one is £24,660 but that won't be until July 2012 when the sales kick off.

All of the models share the same 1,995cc, all-aluminum BMW four-cylinder power plant that comes with a common rail direct injection and the company's TwinPower Turbo tech. The one for £24,660 is an sDrive18d. The 's' prefix means rear-wheel drive. Power output amounts to 143 hp and 320 Nm of torque. 0 to 60 is done in 9.6 seconds and the top speed stands at 125 mph. In return, you get 57.6 mpg of combined fuel economy and 128 g/km of CO2 emissions. Keep in mind, we are talking about a flare arched, highish SUV. A compact SUV but an SUV nevertheless. The xDrive18d has the same engine but performs less impressive in all the other areas.

The mid-range engine is marked by 20d. It too can send it's power trough an 's' or an xDrive system. Amazingly, the sDrive20d manages 57.6 mpg on the combined cycle – almost a mile more per gallon when compared to the sDrive18d. All the while we get 184hp with 380 Nm of torque. That translates into 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 136 mph. The xDrive20d, compared to the 18d counterpart, fares better in every respect, yet it still is inferior to the sDrive20d. There's also an EfficientDynamics version of the 20d that is designed for the extra conscious. It's strictly a rear-wheel drive with a manual setup and with 62.8 mpg it's the most frugal one of the bunch.

To balance things out, there's an xDrive25d. It harbors 218 hp under the hood and peals its tires with 450 Nm of torque. It gets from 0 to 60 in no more than 6.8 seconds while still retains a perfectly sensible economy of 51.4 mpg and spews out only 145 g/kg.

As we mentioned above, the EfficientDynamics comes with an inseparable six-speed manual, but all the other models can be optionally fitted with BMW's latest eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

BMW X1 (2013)

The fact that an electronic power steering replaces the hydraulic one in the 's' models may explain why they are so much better at sipping fuel. However, in general all models do well at the gas station. That's because Brake Energy Regeneration and Auto Start Stop systems come as default no matter the choice. The EfficientDynamics builds on top of that with low-resistance tires an on-demand operation of ancillary units and a climate control compressor that can be disengaged. There is of course a software present which tells you how you drive and how should you drive, change down, change up – a bit of harassment, no doubt.

The xModels on the other hand, get the full package of BMW X-series experience – a smart, adaptive AWD system fully integrated within the car's Dynamic Stability Control. With the DSC come many other acronyms as standard - Advanced Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC).

BMW say that the X1's body is stiff, lightweight and rigid but don't expect magic on the corners. That's the 1-series's turf. The facelift mainly manifests itself on the headlights – if one goest with the optional Xenon light technology, a ton of LEDs come as a compliment. Inside, the center console is now shallower and covered in a higher quality material. Minor changes on the trim of the gearstick surround, cup holders and headlamp switch complete the look.

BMW X1 (2013)

In terms of equipment, even with the entry version (SE), one gets 17-inch alloy wheels, two-zoned climate control and a leather steering wheel. Stuff that didn't come previously on the SE can also be seen – Bluetooth, USB radio and black roof rails.

The "Sport" line is the new one here. Its a level above SE and adds a dark chrome finish on the exhaust pipes, The kidney grille slats, bumper trims and side sills, along with the roof rails

are finished in a high gloss black. Inside, the Median upholstery in Anthracite with Coral Red highlights covers the set of sports seats. Pretty much, a hefty dose of cosmetic treats.

The other new package comes next: xLine. This time we get 18-inch alloy wheels, chromed exhaust tips and kidney grille slats. Some aluminum is used for the side sills and roof rails while the door sills now read xLine. Nevada leather wraps around the seats inside and an X is clearly visible on the headrests. Ambient lighting and floor mats with matching piping completes the package.

As usual, the M Sport trim line is the top of the top – super light 18-inch wheels, an aerodynamic kit, Nevada leather sports seats inside as well as a multifunction leather steering wheel.

BMW X1 (2013)

Source: BMW