Not long after its international launch, the BMW X1 was voted off roader of the year in the crossover category by readers of OFF ROAD Magazine.
Soon after, more awards were claimed by this crossover SUV from the Bavarian marque. In a short span of two-and-a-half years, the BMW X1 has enjoyed tremendous popularity, proven by the 300,000 worldwide sales count.
Despite the multiple accolades, it has attracted its fair share of criticism for being too derivative of other members of the BMW family, and looking ungainly.
This soft roader underwent a facelift and was unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show. Minor changes were made, leading some critics to argue if it was just a cosmetic makeover.
There is, fortunately, more under the skin, with a new four-cylinder turbocharged engine and a new eight-speed transmission.
Exterior
You would probably need a sharp eye to tell the difference between the new X1 and its predecessor. For starters, we reckon the most striking difference would be the colour.
Soon after, more awards were claimed by this crossover SUV from the Bavarian marque. In a short span of two-and-a-half years, the BMW X1 has enjoyed tremendous popularity, proven by the 300,000 worldwide sales count.
Despite the multiple accolades, it has attracted its fair share of criticism for being too derivative of other members of the BMW family, and looking ungainly.
This soft roader underwent a facelift and was unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show. Minor changes were made, leading some critics to argue if it was just a cosmetic makeover.
There is, fortunately, more under the skin, with a new four-cylinder turbocharged engine and a new eight-speed transmission.
Exterior
You would probably need a sharp eye to tell the difference between the new X1 and its predecessor. For starters, we reckon the most striking difference would be the colour.
The latest colour of the new X1 range, the vibrant Valencia Orange, quickly catches the eye, adding a sense of youthfulness and sportiness to the X1.
The test car we had came with the 'Sport Line' equipment package, which included redesigned front bumpers as well as a pair of new headlamps that come with Xenon and daytime driving lights as standard.
Side skirts that were previously finished in matt aluminium are now in gloss black. Also coming in as standard are gloss black roof rails which were missing on the old X1, presenting an athletic and sporty appeal.
At the rear, the X1 features a new sporty bumper with a glossy black diffuser. 18-inch Double-spoke alloys are also standard with this package. They look good with this baby crossover, bringing out the rugged feel that was missing in its predecessor.
Interior
Inside the X1, regularly touched surfaces are littered with premium fittings. Regardless of where your fingers run, there isn't a time when you'd come across sharp edges or cheap, hard plastics.
Although the interior is mainly decked out in black, the red contrast stitching that runs along the steering wheel and seats helps to spice things up.
The steering wheel is also nicely positioned, coupled with the sports seats for driver and passenger, few will struggle to find a comfortable driving position.
Once you're good to go, the X1 offers you a vantage point between that of a regular saloon and a full-size SUV. Despite its long bonnet, the raised seating position provides a good view of the road in front.
There is adequate head and legroom in the rear quarters. It provides sufficient space for a couple of adults but can be a squeeze for three, no thanks to the lack of shoulder room.
Inside the X1, regularly touched surfaces are littered with premium fittings. Regardless of where your fingers run, there isn't a time when you'd come across sharp edges or cheap, hard plastics.
Although the interior is mainly decked out in black, the red contrast stitching that runs along the steering wheel and seats helps to spice things up.
The steering wheel is also nicely positioned, coupled with the sports seats for driver and passenger, few will struggle to find a comfortable driving position.
Once you're good to go, the X1 offers you a vantage point between that of a regular saloon and a full-size SUV. Despite its long bonnet, the raised seating position provides a good view of the road in front.
There is adequate head and legroom in the rear quarters. It provides sufficient space for a couple of adults but can be a squeeze for three, no thanks to the lack of shoulder room.
Boot space in the X1 is considerably generous at 420 litres. With the rear seats folded down, boot space is extended to a whopping 1,350 litres.
The slightly higher boot sill may be fine for everyday use, but lifting bulkier items could prove a bit troublesome.
Compared to the outgoing model, the new X1 comes with driving experience control including ECO PRO, setting new standards of efficiency.
Also new is the modern BMW intuitive gear lever, replacing the dated one seen in the sDrive18i. BMW's iDrive system also come as standard now, which provides more convenience for all on board.
The slightly higher boot sill may be fine for everyday use, but lifting bulkier items could prove a bit troublesome.
Compared to the outgoing model, the new X1 comes with driving experience control including ECO PRO, setting new standards of efficiency.
Also new is the modern BMW intuitive gear lever, replacing the dated one seen in the sDrive18i. BMW's iDrive system also come as standard now, which provides more convenience for all on board.
The Drive
Perhaps the most significant change lies under the hood of the new X1.
Powering the car is a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder in-line engine with TwinPower Turbo technology. It packs quite a punch with a maximum power of 184bhp and 270Nm of torque, compared to the old and feeble straight four with 150bhp and 200Nm of torque.
Unleash that lethal right foot and the sporty engine accelerates the car to 100km/h in just 7.7 seconds with a top speed of 205 km/h, activating your sixth sense to speed lasers at the sides of the road.
Mated to an eight-speed automatic Steptronic transmission, which works well with the engine, gear shifts are silky slick, enabling overtaking to be done with ease.
Perhaps the most significant change lies under the hood of the new X1.
Powering the car is a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder in-line engine with TwinPower Turbo technology. It packs quite a punch with a maximum power of 184bhp and 270Nm of torque, compared to the old and feeble straight four with 150bhp and 200Nm of torque.
Unleash that lethal right foot and the sporty engine accelerates the car to 100km/h in just 7.7 seconds with a top speed of 205 km/h, activating your sixth sense to speed lasers at the sides of the road.
Mated to an eight-speed automatic Steptronic transmission, which works well with the engine, gear shifts are silky slick, enabling overtaking to be done with ease.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the automatic Start/Stop function. The car restarts with slight jerks as if every stop at the lights is a hiccup.
Otherwise, the X1 makes for a rather exciting drive. The steering feels meaty and is accurate which makes it easy to place the X1 into a turn.
As a result, the car does well around bends, with minimal body roll, which essentially provides for exceptional handling of the car.
Conclusion
Despite looking almost indistinguishable from the older model, the new X1 has matured into a better and worthy package thanks to the excellent new engine and more sensible dynamics.
The significant gains in performance and comfort are worth praising, but its price could certainly be better.
Otherwise, the X1 makes for a rather exciting drive. The steering feels meaty and is accurate which makes it easy to place the X1 into a turn.
As a result, the car does well around bends, with minimal body roll, which essentially provides for exceptional handling of the car.
Conclusion
Despite looking almost indistinguishable from the older model, the new X1 has matured into a better and worthy package thanks to the excellent new engine and more sensible dynamics.
The significant gains in performance and comfort are worth praising, but its price could certainly be better.
