The eight-speeder is available all X1s save for the sDrive18i, 16i and 20d Efficient Dynamics, and is the reason for useful economy gains across much of the line-up.
This eight speed auto – currently unique in the X1’s segment – and the new 25d engine are the most significant alterations to this lightly facelifted crossover, which is identified by a subtly classier exterior.
Extended bumper body colouring, redetailed lights, a revised air intake and extra faux aluminium for the sills and valances produce the upgrade, although you’ll probably need to be an owner to notice.
There’s more plastiminium detailing for the interior and a redesigned centre console too, although cabin craftsmanship is not to Audi standards. More important for many will be new trim finishes called x Line and Sport, whose detail finishes create slightly different ambiences inside and out.
As you might hope of a crossover with 215bhp, the xDrive25d gets about with pleasing effortlessness, an impression that would be stronger still were its 2.0 litre diesel slightly quieter. You wouldn’t call it noisy, but its diet is obvious.
The engine mellows at a cruise when wind noise invades, while at the moderate speeds that tempt the transmission into deploying top for 1200-1500rpm urban ramblings are confirmed by the engine’s faintly vibratory labouring felt in the footwell. But this is a small penalty for the exceptional economy, especially as the ‘box is admirably adept at selecting the right gear for the moment. Jinking the gearlever sideways for sport spurs the driveline into action still more readily, and with no surges or jerks.
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dozern123
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The engine appears to be very good, but i don't like this color.
xxxx
looks still...
xxxx'ing ugly
Audi_A5
A good subject for an Autocar group test.
The reviewer is clearly impressed by the revisions to the X1, with reservations, e.g. ". . . although cabin craftsmanship is not to Audi standards." and ". . . you can expect an X1 to be a lot less thirsty than an Evoque. But the Land Rover has more panache . . .".
It sounds to me that this would be an excellent idea for a group test between an Evoque, Audi Q3 and an X1. I think the result would be very close.
mjg1970
A 4 x 4?
Intresting that this review doesn't once mention anything even vaguely off-roady. No ground clearances, departure angles etc.
It's a stupid pointless car, with an even more stupid name.
If you like this car, just buy a 3 series estate - it'd be much better.
ewanmac76
They have missed a trick
The x1 is probably the most ungainly x series BMWs and BMW should have done a lot more in the refresh. The front is still very ugly and I was expecting a more thorough make over. £33k seems very expensive especially when the new 3 series touring will be out soon with 4wd versions.
blowerbentley
It must be very high geared.....!
If peak torque is at 2500rpm and it is running at max torque at 143mph, as Richard Bremner says, then top gear must be 57mph/1000rpm.
jvhl
It must be very high geared......
Good point, Blower - the answer is that BMW have managed an almost flat peak torque graph for the X1 25d. According to BMW’s Media Information on the X1, Section 5, pages 12-13, max torque is available all the way from 1,250rpm to 4,500rpm (the bold type and underline is mine).
http://www.bmwgroup-media.co.za/digital/documents/pressclub/The_new_BMW_X1.pdf
“The engine powering the new BMW X1 xDrive25i develops a maximum output of 170 kW/231 hp and peak torque of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft), which is available between 1,250 and 4,500 rpm. Its instantaneous pulling power 5. Powertrain and driving experience: Wide range of innovations for wideranging sporting ability. BMW Media information 06/2015 Page 13 enables acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.5 seconds. Average fuel consumption for the BMW X1 xDrive25i, which comes as standard with the likewise newly developed eight-speed Steptronic transmission, is between 6.6 and 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres (42.8–44.1 mpg imp), while CO2 emissions stand at 152– 49 grams per kilometre (in the EU test cycle, depending on the tyre format specified).”
Fidji5
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I think this new '25d' engine is fantastic. But I don't like any of the cars it's being used in, and this X1 doesn't change that. Maybe we could have it in the MINI instead of the '18d' unit dubbed the 'Cooper SD'.
Audi_A5
Patience, Fidji! :-)
You just know that an engine this good is going to start popping up all over the BMW range as time goes by.
Even taking the official MPG figures with the standard pinch of salt, the fuel economy that you'll be getting in the real world would have been unthinkable just a few years ago for an engine with this performance.
Citytiger
I think its about time BMW
I think its about time BMW stopped making cars and just concentrated on engines, because it makes fantastic engines wrapped in horrible clothes, if it was a baby the midwife would slap the mother..
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