2021 BMW X1 Reviews

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the 2014 BMW X1 sDrive20i.

German automobile giant BMW is prone to remind us that the X1, when introduced, did not have a spot in the market, so the company created one, the premium compact sports activity vehicle segment.Now, despite dominating the class since, the X1 has been given a mid-life makeover adding even more appeal to the already successful crossover.ENGINESThe range of engines has been extended with the addition of three new variants – two petrol, one diesel – joining the already familiar X1 xDrive20d diesel. Standard fitment is a six-speed manual gearbox, while BMW’s Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission is an option. The xDrive 20d test vehicle was powered by the carryover 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine – the same unit as in the entry-level diesel, the xDrive 18d -- with added oomph giving it a power output of 135kW and peak torque of 380Nm, producing acceleration from rest to 100km/h in a nippy 8.1 seconds.TECHNOLOGYThe xDrive of the X1 title refers to an all-wheel drive system that electronically controls torque distribution between front and rear axle – 40:60 under normal driving conditions – depending on which has the better traction. It’s one of those discreet systems that prevents the driver from getting into too much trouble under difficult going.BMW ConnectedDrive adds cruise control with braking function, plus rear park distance control as standard, the latter a great help in warning of low-set obstructions not visible from the command driving position.ConnectedDrive can also add optional adaptive navigation, professional and business systems, internet functionality, music interface for smartphones, high end Harman Kardon sound system, Bi-xenon headlights and a rearview camera.On the outside, the new X1’s already distinctive look has been beefed up with paint jobs to the front and rear bumpers, while side indicator lights are now integrated into the exterior mirrors reducing the chance of them being inadvertently left operating, confusing other road users.An upgrade in headlamps has resulted in a facelift to the X1, which can be given additional shine with optional Xenon lights incorporating white LED corona rings and a white LED arch.There’s more to the passenger cabin too, with better material on the centre console, new centre panel trim surrounds and chrome trim. An on-board computer is linked to a premium sound system with USB audio interface with Bluetooth hands-free facility.From the driver’s angle, the X1 presents vehicle system information in a clear and concise manner, controls come to hand readily, and there were no complaints from other occupants during the test.VALUEThe BMW X1 xDrive 20d with a six-speed manual sells for $54,900, plus on road costs. Our test car also had automatic transmission ($3500), performance control ($400), panoramic glass roof ($3000), metallic paint ($1700), Navigation Package Business $2900) and performance control ($400).The car also wore all the accoutrements of an xLine package, which adds a further $3200. This included Y-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails, ambient lighting, BMW xLine door sill finishes, velour floor mats, sport leather steering wheel, Nevada leather upholstery with contrast piping and highlight stripe on the seat backrests and ‘X’ stamping on headrests.  It all adds up very quickly if you find it difficult to resist temptation.DRIVINGDon’t expect this X1 to roar off from a standing start. The turbo takes time to cotton on to what is required of it but once up to speed, the car bowls along willingly until the need to pull up, something that hit home hard in the test car.Travelling at pace in a line of heavy traffic, the vehicle in front dramatically stopped. Foot hard on the brake pedal, the ABS at full weight and the X1 stopped too. No harm done. Throughout the whole manoeuvre the SUV kept its line, thanks to the optimally tuned suspension and related rubber.The latest BMW X1 diesel turned out to be safe and steady; more activity than sport.With further BMW EfficientDynamics technology thrown in, fuel economy benefits from brake energy regeneration, Eco Pro mode and the optimum shift indicator for manual models.The maker puts X1 xDrive 20d manual combined fuel consumption figures at 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres and carbon dioxide emissions of 145 grams per kilometre. The eight-speed automatic drops them to 5.4 litres and 143 grams respectively.On several days town driving we averaged 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres. On the open road this dropped to 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres, not the figures published by BMW, but the company is hardly alone in this regard.   The icing on the fuel consumption cake was the auto engine stop-start function. Research has shown that in the average daily urban commute, this technology can result in fuel savings of up to 30 per cent.A tip for those who haven’t experienced a stop-start system: on moving off, be patient and allow the motor to start up before tramping on the accelerator pedal, otherwise the car can lurch severely as if driven by a learner.VERDICTThe smallest SUV in the BMW collection makes an excellent small-medium station wagon, being not only practical but also providing excellent on-road dynamics, not to mention that little thing called prestige.MODEL RANGEX1 sDrive18d 2.0-litre diesel five-door wagon: $44,900 (manual), $48,400 (automatic)X1 sDrive20i 2.0-litre petrol five-door wagon: $46,900(manual), $50,400 (automatic)X1 xDrive20d 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $54,900 (manual), $58,400 (automatic)X1 xDrive28i 2.0-litre petrol five-door wagon: $58,200 (manual), $61,700 (automatic)BMW X1 xDrive 20dPRICE: From $57,593ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel, 135kW/380NmTRANSMISSION: 4-speed sports-auto, FWDTHIRST: 5.4L/100km, 143g/km CO2

Bingo! Our BMW X1 joined a very special club this week when it broke the 1000km barrier. By that I mean it was able to travel more than 1000km on a single tank of fuel.Only a handful of cars have been able to achieve this feat in the entire time that I have been testing cars - not big 4x4s with twin fuel tanks either.VALUEPriced from $44,900, it gets man-made leather and climate airconditioning. Entry level sDrive variant comes standard with 17 inch alloys, cruise control with braking function (this means it doesn't increase speed going downhill), rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, USB/AUX audio inputs with Bluetooth handsfree facility and a trip computer. Misses out on music streaming and a reversing camera.TECHNOLOGYLike its stablemate the entry X1 18d is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine that delivers 105kW/320Nm and will do 9.6 seconds to 100km/h. sDrive variants such as this one denote two/rear-wheel drive, in contrast to xDrive that is all-wheel drive.X1 models benefit from EfficientDynamics technology, coming standard with Brake Energy regeneration, Auto Stop-Start for manual and the optional 8-speed auto, plus ECO PRO mode and Optimum Shift point indicator for the manuals.DESIGNThe X1 is basically the raised SUV version of the 1 Series hatch, with which it shares a platform and running gear. It's a higher riding, some would say better value proposition that costs another $1000 over the equivalent hatch.Recently updated the driver-focused cabin has also been enhanced with the addition of new, higher quality materials covering the centre console, new centre panel trim surrounds and new chrome trim elements.FUEL ECONOMYIn manual form the 18d delivers claimed fuel consumption of 4.9 litres/100km and a slightly higher figure of 5.0 litres/100km with the auto. That gives our test auto a theoretical range of 1220km from a single tank, but in reality these figures are rarely possible. The only way you could possibly achieve this is on a flat, straight road at a constant speed of 80km/h or even slower.SAFETYFive stars. Fitted with six airbags and all the safety gear you'd expect including electronic stability control.DRIVINGYou get two cars in one here. Driven normally it's quite sporty, but put it into ECO PRO mode and the system winds back, set to stay in top gear as long as possible to reduce fuel consumption. Cruise control is tricky to use but once you get it locked in that's where it stays thanks to the braking function, so it doesn't speedup going downhill - gotta like that.The thing is it doesn't default to ECO PRO mode, so you have to remember to press the button each time you start the car which is a bit of a bugger.

Right from the word go we were excited about getting into the sDrive18d.Instead of dropping, the predicted cruising range kept growing until it finally topped the 1000km mark. That was after about 40km of motorway in the fuel-saving Eco Pro mode (there's a switch). Could it be possible . . . don't tell us this stuff really works?VALUEMan-made leather and climate airconditioning. Entry level sDrive variant comes standard with 17 inch alloys, cruise control with braking function (this means it doesn't increase speed going downhill), rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, USB/AUX audio inputs with Bluetooth handsfree facility and a trip computer. Misses out on music streaming abd a reversing camera.TECHNOLOGYLike its stablemate the 1 Series hatch, the BMW X1 sDrive18d is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine that delivers 105kW of power and 320Nm of torque and posts a respectable 9.6 seconds for the 0-100km/h dash. In manual form it delivers claimed fuel consumption of 4.9 litres/100km or with the automatic a slightly higher figure of 5.0 litres/100km.sDrive variants such as this one denote two-wheel drive, in contrast to xDrive that is all-wheel drive. X1 models benefit from EfficientDynamics technology, coming standard with Brake Energy regeneration, Auto Stop-Start for both manual and the optional 8-speed automatic transmissions, ECO PRO mode and the Optimum Shift point indicator for the manual models.DESIGNPriced from $44,900, it's basically the SUV equivalent of the 1 Series hatch, with which it shares a platform and running gear. It's a higher riding, some would say better value proposition that will set you back an extra $1000.We didn't like the design initially, but we've warmed to it since the mid-life update late last year that delivered sharper, better looking bus. The driver-focused cabin has also been enhanced with the addition of new, higher quality materials covering the centre console, new centre panel trim surrounds and new chrome trim elements.SAFETYFive stars. Fitted with six airbags and all the safety gear you'd expect including electronic stability control.DRIVINGYou get two cars in one here. Driven normally it's quite sporty, with strong throttle response and car-like handling. Put it into Eco Pro mode and the system winds back, set to stay in top gear as long as possible to reduce fuel consumption. The result is a sluggish feel and generally slower throttle response, but you can't argue with the fuel figures  the choice is yours.VERDICTThe diesel is definitely the pick in terms of fuel economy and simply for the way it drives.

BMW’s latest version of its smallest SUV, the X1, shows it has been heading in the right direction since it first entered this ever growing market segment with the X5 in 1999.While other makers saw buyers of their SUVs as being adventurous families wanting an off-road vehicle to explore the Australian bush, BMW realised from the start that buyers were only looking for a station wagon with a bit of tough style. One that would perhaps be used to transport the families taking part in various sporting events, serious or otherwise.BMW likes to refer to its models as SAVs (Sports Activity Vehicles), not SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles), but are not sure the public is particularly interested in the fine distinction. But you have to give the German marque points for sticking to its guns.Over the years most other makers of SUVs have backed away from the original off-road SUV theme by reducing ground clearance and installing two-wheel-drive systems in vehicles that look like four-wheel-drives. Interestingly, the driven wheels on the 2WDs are almost invariably those at the front of the car.BMW has a big advantage over the others in using rear-wheel-drive in its 2WD models in keeping with its aim of providing what it calls sheer driving pleasure. This fact immediately became obvious when we began our review of the facelifted BMW X1 at the press launch out of the Gold Coast and interesting mountainous regions of northern NSW.VALUEThe complete BMW X1 range is sDrive 18d 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon, $44,500 (automatic) sDrive 20i 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol five-door wagon, $46,500 (automatic) xDrive 20d 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon, $54,500 (automatic) and xDrive 28i twin-turbo petrol $57,800 (automatic).DRIVINGWe had the pleasure of not only driving a RWD BMW X1, but also in enjoying the lighter weight of a petrol engine. We tried other combinations of 2WD/4WD and petrol/diesel X1s during a full days driving, but our hearts always drew us back to the nimble handling and responsive feel of that first lightest, nimblest 1.The added throttle control of RWD combined with precise steering and the strong engine torque brought smiles to our faces on more than one occasion.TECHNOLOGYThe petrol engine we loved so much was the lower powered of the two new-design 2.0-litre turbocharged units on offer. With 135 kW of power and 270 Nm of torque the 20i BMW powerplant doesn’t have the sporting kick of its big brother the 28i (180 kW / 350 Nm) but in the real world most drivers will be more than satisfied with the smaller engine – and with significantly lower price.There are also turbo-diesel engines on offer, again with a capacity of 2.0 litres. They come in two states of tune: the 1.8d produces up to 105 kilowatts and 320 newton metres, the 2.0d has 135 kW and a hefty 380 Nm. Note that in BMW speak, sDrive indicates two-wheel drive, while the all-wheel-drives get the tag of xDrive.All models have an eight-speed automatic transmission to give a good combination of acceleration and minimal fuel consumption in all driving conditions.DESIGNStyling of the facelifted BMW X1 is interesting because it too gets away from the SUV look and is unashamedly family station wagon. Thus there are more painted areas and fewer tough-looking black-plastic panels in the newly shaped front and rear ends.While BMW’s X1 suffers the usual fate of any sporty looking wagon rear end – that is the luggage versatility lost by the sleek slope to the rear glass – the designers have come up with some clever cargo features. The rear seat backrest can be set at different angles, with the most upright one compensating for the roof’s rake to some extent.Cleverly, the rear seats have a 40/20/40 per cent split rather than the more common 60/40 in many other SUVs. This gives you more options of juggling passengers and luggage. The interior has taken the high-gloss look in some models and there’s the option of the sort of ambient lighting we have admired in the bigger BMW sedans.VERDICTMany families looking for a sporting station wagon around $50,000 in their automotive budget will find the latest BMW X1 fills just about all of their needs.BMW X1Price: from $44,900Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel, 2.0-litre turbo petrol (105kW/320Nm) sDrive18d, (135kW/270Nm) sDrive20i, (180kW/350Nm) xDrive28iTransmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed autoThirst: from 4.9L/100 km to 7.8L/100 km

The first time I laid eyes on this car I thought they'd got it wrong. It's not the first of their so-called X series "sport activity vehicles'' that they've had teething problems with, but BMW has persisted, continuing to refine the concept.And the latest, the baby of the range, the X1 looks, well . . . not too bad (still not pretty mind, but at least an improvement). Either way, it doesn't appear to have bother buyers much because BMW says the X1 has been a "runaway'' success since its launch here back in 2010.VALUEThink cheap Beemer but with the added bonus of all-wheel drive (not in all models) along with the coveted high driving position that allows the driver to see what's going on ahead. Trimmed with faux leather as standard it's likely to appeal to oldies who'll find the raised height makes getting in and out easier and to younger, `outdoorsy' types looking for something more expressive and want a bit of a knockaround car.Prices start from $44,900 rising to a high of $58,200 for the top of the line X1 xDrive28i. That's cheaper than the equivalent 1 Series hatch and $10,000 less than the 3 Series sedan on which it happens to be based.The entry price gets you 17 inch alloys with run-flat tyres, cruise control with braking function, rear parking sensors, auto lights and wipers, USB audio plus Bluetooth and a trip computer  to name a few. It's available with bundled X Line, Sport Line or M Sport packages as well as numerous other options that quickly inflate the price.All models come with a 6-speed manual as standard, despite the fact 80 per cent of customers tick the box for an auto. An 8-speed traditional auto is a $2700 option across the range.TECHNOLOGYThree new engine variants join the existing X1 xDrive20d for the Australian market. The range kicks off with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel in the rear drive sDrive18d that delivers 105kW and 320Nm and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds.Power rises to 135kW and 380Nm of torque in the more powerful diesel, the all-wheel drive xDrive20d with 0-100km/h taking 8.1 seconds. Two new petrol models, the X1 sDrive20i and X1 xDrive28i, are powered by a twin scroll, turbocharged 2.0 litre direct injection four-cylinder petrol engine.In the rear-drive sDrive20i it delivers 135kW of power and 270Nm of torque and does the dash in 7.4 seconds. Power is boosted to 180kW and 350Nm in the range-topping all-wheel drive xDrive28i, with 0-100km/h taking only 6.1 seconds.The latter engine replaces a 3.0-litre six that produced a mere 160kW/280Nm  you wouldn't think it was possible. The upgraded range benefits from smart technology like Brake Energy regeneration, Auto Stop-Start for both manual and the optional 8-speed auto, plus ECO PRO mode and an Optimum Shift point indicator for the manual models.DESIGNLike the X3 it has shed some of its unpainted, plastic cladding, or more specifically it has been disguised with silver-coloured embellishments at the front, back and sides to alleviate the effect. The side indicator lights have also been integrated into the side mirrors.The headlights have been redesigned and when optioned with Xenon lights while LED rings and eyebrows give it a more distinctive appearance, further enhanced by the new fog lamp surrounds. The cabin has also been enhanced with the addition of new, higher quality materials covering the centre console, new centre panel trim surrounds and new chrome trim elements that combine to create a more premium atmosphere. For the first time too larger 19 inch wheels and rubber are optional.SAFETYFive stars of course. Comes with front, side and curtain airbags, plus electronic traction and stability control, along with anti-lock brakes, with brake assist and cornering brake control. A rear view camera however remains optional and needs to be paired with one of the two satnav systems ($900 plus either $2221 or $3460)  making it exey. Sadly you don't get Bluetooth audio streaming without satnav either which, incidentally, does not provide speed camera warnings.DRVINGBelieve it or not the diesel is the better drive. We drove the three of the four models  the two diesels and top of the line petrol xDrive28i. Though the petrol car is quicker off the line, there's not much between them in the mid-range.The striking difference is in the way the diesel feels, suprisingly tighter and more controlled, with less body roll. The techs say there's only a 5kg difference in weight and for the record both cars were fitted with the exact same wheels and rubber  225/45 18s all round.The entry level diesel fitted with smaller 17s wasn't disappointing either. Two-wheel drive variants are fitted with more sophisticated, Servotronic steering while all-wheel drive models still have the older style, hydraulic system  but this is set to change from March production. It's not a biggy but worth noting, if you're in the market.Claimed fuel consumption ranges from 4.9 litres/100km in the entry level diesel to 7.8 litres/100km in the top of the line petrol model. Option the 8-speed auto and we're told you get even lower consumption. During the test drive on Queensland's Gold Coast we got 6.0 litres/100km from the 18d, 6.9 litres/100km from the 20d and 11.9 litres/100km from the 28i - a big difference.VERDICTLooks aside, it feels and drives just like any other BMW, composed and difficult to unsettle even on lousy back roads. The diesel is definitely the pick in terms of fuel economy and simply for the way it drives. The issues as we see them are the price of the auto which should be standard and the even greater price gouge for a reversing camera that must be teamed with satnav.BMW X1Price: from $44,900Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel, 2.0-litre turbo petrol (105kW/320Nm) sDrive18d, (135kW/270Nm) sDrive20i, (180kW/350Nm) xDrive28iTransmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed autoThirst: from 4.9L/100 km to 7.8L/100 km

A minor tizzy and tweak is all the BMW X1 gets for another three years in Australia.There is an eight-speed automatic to improve efficiency, as well as engine developments that bring more punch for less fuel across the board, but most of the work for the 2012 model of the smallest Xer is cosmetic. And minor.Even so, there is one change _ and it's a big one _ since Carsguide first drove the X1 and complained about the driving enjoyment of the 3-Series based soft-roader. The rear suspension is softer and more compliant, something that happened unnoticed - at least in Australia - a year into the X1's life in response to customer complaints.So the X1 feels a little better and drives a little better, but is it enough to unseat the Audi Q3 that's become our favourite in the class? We won't know for a while, but it won't be easy.VALUEWe're not expecting any sort of price hike when the updated X1 arrives in October. The changes to the final finishing should not have added any cost and BMW is pushing hard to maintain the price line against tough opposition from Audi with the sweet new Q3, although Mercedes-Benz still does not have the GLK which would be the logical rival to the X1 - if only the company had bothered to build it with right-hand drive.TECHNOLOGYThe upgrade from six to eight speeds in the automatic is the big change for the 2012 upgrade and it makes a significant difference, helped by a stop-start system and on-demand engine ancillaries, with BMW claiming improved power and torque from all the X1 engine choices but still with better economy and lower CO2 emissions.On the engine front, we're expecting 20i and 20d four cylinder power plants at the expense of the current 18i. The powerful 23d goes - even though it was the engine for the preview drive in Munich - and it's likely there will be a 28i petrol motor with 180 kiloWatts, and perhaps an 18d.The bottom line? The 20i petrol engine makes 135kW/270Nm, up from 110/200 in the outgoing 18i, and can be coupled to either a rear or all-wheel drive package. BMW says a rear-drive manual will sprint to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds and return 7.1 litres/100km.The 20d is the economy headliner at 5.0L/100km for an auto all-wheel drive, with output up to 135kW/380Nm from 130/350. BMW says owners will be able to access Google, Twitter and Facebook in the car, although those connections are not confirmed for Australia.DESIGNYou would need a keen eye - or a BMX expert with a laser pointer and a giant screen - to pick the changes for twenty-twelve. The X1's headlamps are new and get the signature 'corona' daylight rings, the nose and tail look a little more upmarket, and inside there is more chrome and high-gloss black paintwork to try and give a more upmarket look.BMW says the new console is more driver focussed and there is more soft-feel plastic, while also touting new X and Sport Line packages of optional equipment. It's the same approach as the rest of the family, mostly just chrome-and-black accents, kick panels on the door sills and nicer steering wheels - but it's hard to know where the standard car finishes and the extra-cost stuff starts.SAFETYThe X1 has a solid five-star safety rating and that should not change when the new model lands in Australia.DRIVINGThe tweaked X1 is better than expected, but not because of any of the latest changes. It's down to the smoother ride that came last year, when BMW engineers tweaked the rear suspension. It was a major job, much more than you would expect, because it meant thicker sheet metal in the rear wheel housings that had been lifted complete from the 3-Series Touring wagon.Carsguide should have known, but even BMW Australia was not aware of the running change that smoothes the X1 from a rough rider into a compliant cruiser, at least on smooth German bitumen. We could be wrong for Australian roads, but probably not.The 2012 update is highlighted in Munich with a long line of X1s, but all of them run the 25d engine that's not expected in Australia. So the drive is enjoyable, but mostly focussed on the eight-speed auto and testing that suspension change.The gearbox is good, either left on its own or encouraged with manual shifts, and definitely helps keep things quiet and comfortable. The X1 definitely has good grip and brakes, it gets along well, and you cannot argue with the 300,000 people who have bought one since it was spun into the X-car range using bits and pieces mostly from the 3 Series bin.But some of our earlier criticisms of the X1, including the inadequate boot space and tight rear seats, remain. And, after a recent run in the impressive and roomier Q3 we cannot see - at least for now - the X1 trumping its Audi rival. And don't forget there is also the ripper new Range Rover Evoque for people who want maximum SUV style and are prepared to compromise on cabin space.VERDICTNot much to see, but enough to feel to justify a second look at the X1.

THE battle for buyers' dollars is heating up as BMW fights back against the Japanese incursion into its markets. The X1 sDrive range swaps all-wheel drive for power just from the rear tyres. That earns them a hefty price discount and puts the Bavarian brand back on the radar of shoppers considering Subarus, Toyotas and Hondas, whose compact SUVs have started to nibble at the prestige sector.You get what you pay for and for close to $50,000, this is a car that deserves to be shopped against mainstream compact SUV models.VALUEThe 2.0-litre petrol and diesel-powered sDrive models — the petrol is confusingly known at the sDrive 18i — are the bargains of the BMW X1 range priced at $43,500 and $49,300 respectively.The baby X models are already a success — more than 1300 people have bought X1s this year — but BMW says some buyers prefer the raised seating height but don't necessarily want the weight of an all-wheel drive system.``Many customers enjoy the ride-height, load space and all-round practicality of a lifestyle vehicle without necessarily wanting all-terrain capabilities,'' BMW Australia managing director Stavros Yallouridis says.``For these customers, the new sDrive X1 wagons have better fuel economy, even better on-road agility and exceptional value for money.''That value equation is the one BMW is counting on, with the range-topping Toyota RAV4 now $49,990, Honda's best CR-V $42,790 and the Subaru Forester as high as $45,490. If BMW is right and a lot of people are more worried about sitting up than straying off-road, the sDrive range may be a winner.TECHNOLOGYBy BMW standards there's nothing innovative about the sDrive 20d but the basic features are good for a car in this segment. The rearview mirror has an anti-dazzle function, the sound system has Bluetooth and USB compatibility, the wipers automatically start up when the rain comes down, the rear parking radar will impress friends with graduated beeps as the car get closer to the wall and there's cruise control as standard. Everything else costs.The diesel engine is typically Euro-efficient, with an official combined fuel use of 5.9thlitres for 100km with the optional automatic. The manual uses 0.6thlitres/100km less and comes with stop/start technology and a light on the dash that advises of optimum shift revs.BMW is not the only company to use this, so it's not the only one that irritates me. It's smart technology — but I'm driving a diesel. If I was a card-carrying member of the local greens branch, I'd rave about it, but until then if I'm paying for the fuel, I'll decide when I want to change gears.Anyway, given there's 350Nm available, the auto is the smarter option. Both transmissions come with brake energy regeneration.SAFETYThe brick-solid body is backed by ABS and what BMW describes as Cornering Brake Control, which is obviously German for ``if you're too stupid to judge a corner, we'll still rein you in''. Couple that with electronic stability control and traction control and the driver has to be trying really hard to punt the sDrive 20d off the road.STYLINGThe styling is unmistakably BMW and that will be a big part of the sDrive's appeal. The high-riding look is well proportioned and has all the signature lines owners of the brand expect. The interior is a surprise. The colours and basic layout follow the family theme, but the iDrive controller in the centre console is notably absent. In its place is a menu button that, along with the radio channel selector buttons, allows you to program the various functions.It works, but regular Beemer drivers will find themselves having to check the manual before they can get the most out of the system. Love it or hate it, the iDrive rotary dial has improved with every generation, so it's presumably only cost that sees it deleted from the X1.DRIVINGThe engine is noisier than most BMW diesels at idle, but it disappears once underway and it gets along at a fair clip — the official 0-100km/h time is 8.3 seconds for the six-speed automatic. The automatic will try to hold on to too high a gear on steep hills but flick the selector left into sports mode and the problem goes away. Too heft a right foot exiting tight corners will then light up the traction control warning, but that's to be expected when 350Nm is unleashed without any careFor the majority of the time the ride is refined and it's only when you push the sDrive beyond the point of tyre traction that it will give a disapproving shake. It's not enough to engage the stability control, but 3 Series sedan owners might wonder what went wrong. Then they'll remember the price ...The sDrive is not a performance car and doesn't deserve to be treated as such. Fold down the rear seats and it will happily take whatever you throw at it, from bikes to removal boxes.More importantly for potential owners, it will also collect the kids after school and ferry the family to the shack on weekends with a look that says if you haven't yet made it to the top, you're working at it.Inside viewBMW X1 sDrive 20dPrice: $49,300Engine: 2.0-litre turbodieselPower: 130kW at 4000 revsTorque: 350Nm from 1750-3000 revsTransmission: Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel driveFuel use, CO2 emissions: 5.9thlitres/100km, 155g/km

More and more manufacturers are realising they can attract extra sales by creating two-wheel-drive versions of their 'soft roaders'.2WD buyers are looking for the practicality of the wagon - a commanding driving position, perhaps a little higher ride height for a short drive down a dry dirt track, the 'look' of an SUV, strong suspension, and in some cases seven seats - without getting a people-mover.If they don’t need to go offroad, in the snow, through muddy tracks, they don’t need the four-wheel-drive ability. But they can get everything else they want with 2WD versions of the SUV.What’s the benefit of 2WD?By opting for the 2WD version, the vehicle costs thousands of dollars less because that second set of drive-shafts, differentials, wheel joints and bits are not in the vehicle. And that means the 2WD versions weigh considerably less. Less weight means less fuel, a cost saving to the owner and lower exhaust emissions for the planet. And less weight means better performance in acceleration and handling.The month of May this year was the best-ever May for new-vehicle sales in Australia. Part of the reason was a staggering 29 per cent growth in SUV sales over May of last year. Clearly Aussies still love their SUVs and many of those extra sales were because of 2WD versions.Toyota offering its large Kluger in 2WD and 4WD, in all trim levels. The choice (between 2WD and 4WD) will give buyers an alternative purchase decision based on their real needs. Toyota also offers the RAV4, which gets revised gear ratios for with 2WD.Ford launched its Territory SUV in 2004 in 4WD and 2WD right from the start. But some brands don’t offer the full choice of models of the 4WD. For example, the Kia Sorento 2WD cannot have Kia's excellent turbo-diesel engine of the 4WD, but it's recognised that 2WD buyers are looking for lower buying and running costs and so only a base model engine is provided.KIA SORENTO - $36,490 Drives well with good ride; six-speed automatic, fuel economy Engine sometimes works hard to move 1814kg weightA much better onroad wagon than previous (4WD-only) model. The 2WD Kia Sorento is available only with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to keep down cost.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 128kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 226Nm @ 3750rpmTransmission: Six-speed automatic; front-wheel-drive.HOLDEN CAPTIVA - $27,990 Low price, plenty of Holden dealers for back-up Modest power, tows only 1500kg, no auto optionThe Holden Captiva 2WD gives wagon motoring to Holden followers not wanting a V6 or V8 Commodore Sportwagon. Captiva has been selling well lately.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 103kW @ 5200rpmTorque: 220Nm @ 2400rpmTransmission: Five-speed manual; front-wheel-drive.TOYOTA KLUGER - $40,990 Engine power, full model range, including seven-seater Large, blunt design, fuel useThe larger option from Toyota can be had in all the trim levels of the Kluger 4WDs, which means seven-seaters as well. The well-known 3.5 V6 engine is a good 'un.Engine: 3.5-litre, V6, petrolPower: 201kW @ 6200rpmTorque: 337Nm @ 4700rpmTransmission: Five-speed automatic; front-wheel-drive.FORD TERRITORY - $39,890 Torque at low revs, parts costs, seven-seat option Size to park, fuel use, dating body shape, auto only a four-speedThe only Australian-designed and built SUV, Territory uses Ford Falcon running gear and is a popular vehicle, especially now that Falcon wagon is ceasing production.Engine: Four-litre, six-cylinder, petrolPower: 190kW @ 5250rpmTorque: 383Nm @ 2500rpmTransmission: Four-speed automatic; rear-wheel-drive.BMW X1 sDrive18i - $43,500 BMW owner pride, diesel option, equipment, fuel economy, 1430kg weight Expensive parts and servicingBMW's new compact SUV in two-wheel-drive form is known as the sDrive. It is one of the low-cost ways of getting behind the famous BMW badge and suits Yuppies.Engine: Two-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 110kW @ 6400rpmTorque: 200Nm @ 3600rpmTransmission: Six-speed manual (optional six-speed automatic); rear-wheel-drive.TOYOTA RAV4 - $28,990 Fuel economy, Toyota reputation, modest kerb weight (1525kg), price Tows only 1500kgRAV is the most recent 4WD SUV available in 2WD and uses the Toyota Camry 2.4 engine. RAV started the compact SUV segment and has kept updated nicely since.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 125kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 224Nm @ 4000rpmTransmission: Five-speed manual (optional four-speed automatic); front-wheel-drive.

CarsGuide has assembled our top 10 motoring snow companions.