Insurance Group: 24
MPG: 53.3
CO2: 139
0-62 Mph: 8.1 secs
BHP: 177 BHP
Range: 715 miles
PROS: The 20d is both more powerful and more economical than the 18d. The low CO2 emissions mean cheap road tax. The handling of the X1 is sharp and controlled.
CONS: The suspension is too firm and the 20d is not as powerful as the pricier cars in the X1 range.
The SDrive20d SE is fitted with the same 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine as the 18d but tuned to produce 177bhp and 258lb-ft of torque. The power is set through a six speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels only and allows the X1 to reach 62mph in 8.1 seconds with a top speed of 127mph.
The X1 is not quite as good to drive as a traditional BMW saloon but it's not bad, offering plenty of grip and displaying very little body roll. The cabin is also very quiet, however the ride is way too firm - a common criticism of BMWs.
Hmm... Well, the X1 isn't the most conventionally styled car on the market. It's not ugly, just a little awkward and it fails to offer the sleek good looks of the 3 Series. However, the cabin is a model of common sense and feels very well made from high quality plastics. It's very dull and sombre in there but BMW have been building boring cabins for years and it hasn't done them any harm.
The SE trim comes with power steering, rear parking sensors, stability control, climate control, alloy wheels, stereo and MP3 connectivity as standard, with optional extras including leather seats for £1115, cruise control for £235, Bluetooth for £205 and satellite navigation for £1460.
Unsurprisingly, the X1 scored the full five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests and is fitted with a comprehensive list of safety kit including six airbags.
The space in the X1 is no more than an average hatchback and rear seat space is a little cramped, especially due to the bulky transmission tunnel and rear wheel arches. However, the boot space is good at 420-litres and 1350-litres with the rear seats folded down.
There should be no issues with reliability as BMW have an exemplary record of producing reliable cars.
The SDrive20d SE is priced at £25,830 which is reasonable given the amount of kit you get for the price.
The 20d is just about as economical to run as the 18d and is noticeably quicker. The good fuel economy (53.3mpg combined) and low CO2 emissions (139g/km) will ensure low running costs and the X1 20d falls under VED band E and the 21% company car tax bracket.
Residual values should also be very strong due to the desirability of the BMW badge.
The 18d SE is the cheapest car in the X1 range and delivers fantastic fuel economy, making it very cheap to run. However, the 20d SE is only slightly more expensive and offers better performance an...
The 20d is a great car. It's not the best looking or most practical car in the world but it handles well and delivers astonishing fuel efficiency.
For those who are looking for one of the new range of compact crossover vehicles that is smaller than the X3, it is the X1 that BMW has created, and the attempt to cross over is visible in the car....
The X1 is the least expensive 4x4 that BMW has to offer, however it is still not as cheap as some of its rivals. Offering excellent fuel efficiency and BMW’s famed reliability, The X1 xDrive 20d M ...
You might want to read reviews for other Small 4x4 cars that you can then compare to the BMW X1. Here are some popular BMW X1 alternatives:
