BMW X1 sDrive20i 2013 Review

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $46,990
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Eight-speed auto $3500; Metallic Paint $1308
Crash rating: Five-star ANCAP
Fuel: 95-98 RON PULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 6.8
CO2 emissions (g/km): 160
Also consider:  Audi Q3 (from $44,800); Range Rover Evoque (from $49,995)

Strapped in, mirrors adjusted, hands on the wheel: I mash the accelerator pedal and for the next ten seconds forget that I'm driving BMW's baby SUV. It's not just the linear thrust exerted by the BMW X1 sDrive20i's turbo-petrol engine that makes it feel truly sporty either. It's the sound.

There's a mild induction noise backed up by the refined note of a lovingly-crafted four-cylinder engine, which becomes less subdued (satisfying so) as the tachometer needles passes 4500rpm.

Egged on by a turbocharger that recycles exhaust gasses to produce more thump, the experience is not what you'd expect from an entry-level European-badged SUV.

When push comes to shove both the gearbox and engine are more than happy to obey, snapping to attention and delivering the kind of acceleration that will make sports car drivers take notice. BMW reckons the car will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds (7.4 seconds with the manual gearbox!) and I've no reason to query this claim -- the X1 sDrive20i really hustles when you flex the right foot.

Yep, the 2.0-litre engine has loads of punch, sending a maximum power of 135kW and torque of 270Nm to the rear wheels via an almost faultless eight-speed automatic transmission. Granted, the auto transmission adds around $3500 to the asking price, but the calm and composed way it snicks through gears -- whether on the freeway or in congested traffic -- is hard to fault.

If you're the kind of driver who has no interest in zipping about enthusiastically, the news is still good, because this petrol-powered X1 is pleasant to drive at nominal tempos. Indeed, the powertrain is smoother yet offers a more involving and responsive drive than its closest rival, the Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI (125kW), as the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is quiet and controlled at low throttle openings too.

The polished 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and eight speed automatic transmission fitted to this test car conspire to establish this X1 as one of the smoothest, most refined compact luxury SUVs out there.

Average fuel consumption is rated at 6.8L/100km thanks to things like idle stop-start tech, but because the engine and transmission are so eager to perform, I found myself driving the car a little harder than usual. The result was a final fuel consumption figure of 10.5L/100km at the end of a seven day test. Far from brilliant, but not terrible considering the fun that was had.

Not surprisingly this X1 shares this brawny drivetrain package with the more expensive 320i, a vehicle that commands a premium of more $10,000, and the chassis is a good match for the sporty engine tune.

Firm suspension allows the tenacious driver to have fun on twisty sections of road, and there's few SUVs in this class that are this much fun to drive. Road holding is very good -- the car always has a planted feel -- and though ride quality isn't rock hard, you do feel the odd thump entering the cabin as the suspension struggles to absorb sharp ruts and bumps.

Like a lot of SUVs the steering won't set your hands aflame with driving passion, but if nothing else the speed-dependent electrically-assisted power steering is responsive, and the rear-wheel drive setup seems to improve the connection between car and driver.

The rear-wheel drive version of the X1 is a good option for urban living, and even if you do plan on getting dirty on gravel roads, the car's plethora of traction and braking aids ensure a stable journey. We're talking stability control, anti-lock brakes, traction control, cornering brake control, even a hill-start assistant, not to mention brake fade compensation and even brake drying systems.

Though the all-wheel drive petrol X1 version (xDrive28i) does add peace-of-mind, more power, and more features, it'll take the asking price from $46,990 to an eye-watering $58,200. I'm not convinced many drivers would notice the all-paw traction except in truly foul weather. Sales of AWD models reflect this: just one in four X1 buyers opt for an AWD.

Inside there's a good amount of room for four adult occupants and though it doesn't have quite as much boot space as the Audi Q3 -- 420 litres compared to 460 -- the BMW X1's seating arrangement is more flexible.

Vision is good for the most part, the car's slightly elevated ride height gives you a better view ahead compared to a passenger car, and except for the small rear windscreen, outward visibility is decent.

I really like that the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat backs can be reclined up to 31 degrees, giving rear seat passengers almost front seat flexibility. Folded back, boot space opens to 1350 litres, enough space to swallow a small chest of drawers.

However, if there was one thing lacking from this entry-level petrol model BMW X1 it would be amenity. Basic comfort levels are good -- the seats are well proportioned and form fitting, cabin ergonomics border on excellent with all controls within easy reach -- it's just that there are several features missing.

You get manually adjustable seats, a lacklustre five-speaker audio package and no reversing camera. The interior also looks and feels a bit plain Jane (and orange back-lit instruments look cheap).

Electric seats will set you back $2400, an upgraded 11-speaker stereo $2500 and a reversing camera $900. But to get the rear camera you have option in $715 front parking sensors. Oh, and navigation is another $2900 (or $4500 if you want the bigger LCD screen). Ouch...

Automated standard features like cruise control and climate control, automatic headlights and wipers and Bluetooth connectivity streamline some of the more tedious in-car functions, improving the driving experience, while foglights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a USB port are standard too.

Despite a few minor hiccups, I really enjoyed my week with BMW's baby SUV. The X1 sDrive20i doesn't put a foot wrong dynamically, the driveline is exemplary, the brakes and suspension are good, and the ergonomics agreeable. If BMW could orchestrate a minor facelift to make the car look less porcine, it'd be even easier to recommend.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site