Frankfurt motor show 2009: BMW X1
* Compact SUV * On sale in October * Prices start at 22,660...
What is it?
BMW's all-new compact SUV, a rival for the likes of the Land Rover Freelander and VW Tiguan.
What's new?
This is BMW's smallest, most affordable SUV yet and it's likely to give rivals a scare when it goes on sale in October.
It's a compact five-door, five-seater that's shorter (although not much) than the X3. We expect the next X3 to be larger as a result.
Both four-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive versions of the X1 will be offered, badged xDrive and sDrive respectively. No petrol models will be available in the UK, but there will be a choice of three 2.0-litre diesel models.
The entry-level sDrive18d has 141bhp, returns 54.3mpg and emits 136g/km of carbon dioxide. Figures for the four-wheel-drive xDrive18d version are 49.6mpg and 150g/km.
The rear-wheel drive sDrive20d has 175bhp, achieves an average of 53.3mpg and emits 139g/km of CO2. The four-wheel-drive xDrive20d averages 48.7mpg and emits 153g/km of CO2.
The top-of-the-range model is the xDrive23d, which has a twin-turbo engine, four-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard. It averages 44.8mpg and 167g/km.
The X1 has the latest version of the iDrive control system and BMW says there are 'three full-sized seats at the rear'. The rear seat backrest can be tilted, and folded in a 40/20/20 split; there's a 420-litre boot and up to 1350 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats folded.
How much does it cost?
The X1 will initially be available in SE specification only, with options including a design pack (oyster-coloured leather, wood trim and anthracite headlining), sat-nav, stereo upgrades and a panoramic glass roof.
UK sales of most versions start in October, with the sDrive18d and xDrive18d following in December.
Prices start at 22,660 (sDrive18d SE); four-wheel-drive models start from 23,940 (xDrive18d SE) and the top-end xDrive23d SE is 29,055.
Verdict
The X1 won't be to all tastes, but it's a BMW, it's an SUV and it's (comparatively) affordable. We reckon it'll sell like hot cakes.
BMW video round-up
BMW showcase the Vision concept car, new X1 SUV and the 5 GT
• Click here to view the video
