Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
I say the word settle in jest, of course, because it’s hardly the word best suited to describe how I felt. The tiny X1 is much too enjoyable a CUV in any of its trims to feel like one version is a compromise compared to the other. They’re just different. The lightweight 28i four uses sophisticated twin-scroll turbocharger, Valvetronic fully-variable valve control and BMW’s double-Vanos system that continually adjusts the timing of the intake and exhaust camshafts to deliver strong acceleration with 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the latter fully available from just 1,250 rpm all the way up to 4,800 for seriously attentive response
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Truth be told, balancing fun with fuel economy matters more to me these days. I know that pump prices have fallen quite dramatically over the last month or so, and while it would be great to see these prices stay low (at least for those of us not relying on the Alberta oil patch, Saskatchewan oil reserves or derricks off the coast of Newfoundland), who really knows what the future holds? I’m certainly not going to hedge my mid- to long-term bets on the
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
The X1 xDrive28i is a “have your cake and eat it too” kind of CUV anyway. It’ll accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in an exhilarating 6.6 seconds (compared to an even more grin-inducing 5.6 seconds in the 35i) yet deliver very real claimed fuel economy numbers equaling 10.6 L/100km in the city, 7.6 on the highway and 9.1 combined (the 35i is rated at 13.2 city, 8.9 highway and 11.2 combined), as long as you don’t sprint off the line every time you leave a stoplight or cruise all day at its 205 km/h (127 mph) top-speed.
There are a number of factors that go into making both X1 models as efficient as possible,
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Of course, it’s up to you whether to use all of the EfficientDynamics technologies BMW includes with its X1. You can shut them off if you’re in a sporty mood and even choose to shift the gearbox manually to keep revs up while taking to the corners;
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Unlike some of these competitors, BMW makes its xDrive all-wheel drive system standard with the X1. This means that no matter the weather conditions the X1 has the ability to overcome the road ahead. To that end xDrive uses sensors to keep
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
If you’re wondering whether or not you can afford to purchase a BMW at all, the X1 is a good place to start looking. It’s not the least expensive in the German manufacturer’s Canadian lineup, its 320i sedan taking that title with a base sticker of
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
For that kind of money you get all of the performance and high-tech environmental technologies I just mentioned, plus a surprisingly well-equipped crossover that comes complete with those previously noted 17-inch alloy wheels, plus
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Dynamic cruise control turns what could otherwise be a tiresome trip into a relaxing journey. It automatically maintains a preset distance (that you can adjust) between your front bumper and the vehicle ahead, braking when needed and applying the throttle to bring you back up to your chosen speed when required. All you have to do is steer and pay attention.
My
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Yes, it’s a nice looking interior, as you might expect from BMW. Materials quality is pretty good compared to premium peers albeit not as impressive as the newly updated X3 or X5, while the design still looks fresh and modern despite not having had a major update since the X1 arrived here in 2011 as a 2012 model. My tester was devoid of optional wood trim, but I think the wide strips of aluminum gracing the dash and doors suit this small, sporty SAV better. All of the switchgear is top-grade, nicely damped and ideally fitted together, highlighted by BMW’s iDrive infotainment controller that’s so much more intuitive to operate than early examples of the system that I’m happy to go on record saying its now industry-leading.
If
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Brilliant fun to drive, nicely equipped, impressively functional, well-built and cheap on gas, the 2015 X1 xDrive28i is (and I repeat) a great way to get into a BMW for the same price as a luxury-trimmed compact CUV from a volume manufacturer. Sure
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
If you want a compact CUV that you’ll never get bored of, seriously consider the BMW X1.
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