KTM X-Bow R 2017 Review

Justifying the purchase
As a general rule, we males will go to any length to justify a new car purchase.

You know the drill: “look, it has tether points for a child’s seat”, or “it’s a ute, it will help with the business”. Those with enough temerity will even try to sell the “investment potential” line, if given the opportunity.

Conversely, trying to justify the KTM X-Bow R as a new vehicle purchase is going to take the negotiating skills of a conman.

This mid-engined, two-seat open-top sports car is simply manic. There’s no hiding it, or its unapologetic desire to go fast. It is what it is.

During this week’s Sydney-based road test, it would be fair to assume the Bureau of Meteorology website trebled its hit-count, as your humble correspondent naively tried (and failed) to dodge the lousy weather. It was and probably always will be the only instance I’ll ever don every bit of wet weather motorcycle gear I own for a car test, too.

This is because the X-Bow R misses out on conventional luxuries commensurate with regular road cars: namely a roof, a full-size windshield, a boot, airbags, a radio or air-conditioning (though you can option the last two options if you so wish).

The X-Bow R is also unique in the fact that its steering wheel can be unclipped to assist when the driver getting in and out, it has a set seating position (instead employing a moveable pedal box), and the seat-belt is a four-point harness design.

However, the KTM X-Bow embraces its purity. Pared-back simplicity courses through its veins, but also helps to endow it with an incredible 790kg kerb weight, which is also owed in part to a carbon-composite monocoque tub.

If you subscribe to the ‘less is more’ theory, the X-Bow R would undoubtedly strike a chord.

OK, what do you get?
The X-BOW R’s centrepiece is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder that is Audi-sourced, paired standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The teaming produces 220kW in standard guise and sends drive to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential.

The track-ready two-seater is available in one basic trim specification, but can be optioned with up to $40,000 worth of extras, including a fixed rear wing and semi-slick tyres.

In its most conservative setting, the X-BOW R can return a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.9sec. We certainly don’t doubt the claim, even if this week’s rain tempered our eagerness to flatten the accelerator pedal out of every turn. KTM claims a top speed of 231km/h.

The front suspension is operated via a rocker arm set-up, while a coil-over design is employed at the rear. Seventeen-inch wheels are wrapped with Michelin Super Sport rubber at the contact points, while Brembo brakes are responsible for stopping duties.

Inside, the KTM plays on the theme of simplicity, forgoing typical indicator stalks and switchgear for steering-wheel mounted buttons. There is also a digital LCD display conveying vital functions, along with wing mirrors which actually afford a decent view of the road (and presumably those trying to keep up) behind you.

Safety, outside of the car’s strong carbon-fibre shell, isn’t in the same ball park as regular road cars. That is despite KTM Cars Australia crash-testing two cars in order to bring vehicles into the country, raising the ride height and adding a seatbelt warning function.

Discerning types will note the absence of antilock brakes, traction control and stability control – thereby governing SSC to a maximum of 25 imports annually under the federal government’s Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles Scheme (SEVS).

For the record, KTM Cars Australia – the same group that distributes Lotus – says standard service costs for the X-Bow R sit at $325 plus GST and parts. There’s also a two-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
Exhilarating road drive

Once you’ve carefully lowered yourself into the cockpit, the fun begins.

It is clear, from the very moment the raspy 2.0-litre engine cranks to life, the X-Bow R is no ordinary road car.

The first and last impression of the X-Bow R is that it is like a life-size go-kart. The steering is heavy at low speeds, and there is a mechanical premise to all the controls.

The 2.0-litre engine is surprisingly tractable from low revs, reaching peak torque from 3300rpm to strengthen the car’s admittedly limited road-going appeal. The six-speed box is also light and mechanical, with nicely-spaced ratios for all conditions.

Turn up the wick and the X-Bow R answers the call emphatically. We left a lot in reserve this week, owed in simple part to the weather. But even on dry, pristine roads, it’s hard to imagine even approaching the vehicle’s limits, such is the level of lateral grip and roadholding.

Most satisfying is the raw, visceral feel of the X-Bow R. The steering offers excellent mechanical weighting and precision, its chassis relays the road underneath impeccably, and car stops, turns and accelerates just as you’d imagine. Like a go kart on steroids.

That, combined with the user engagement of the six-speed box, and the raw, mechanical soundtrack, simply wills the driver on. It’s scintillating stuff on the road.

The level of compromise, especially outside of heady mountain pursuits, is the undoubted downfall here. You don’t have to wear a helmet, though it is recommended, and you are completely exposed to the elements (read: bugs, road grime, rain, stormwater, sun).

Furthermore, the car’s firm ride – needed to endow it such prodigious handling – is evident at all times, and the 10.8 metre turning circle belies the car’s small dimensions (3.7 metres long by 1.9 metres wide by 1.2 metres high).

However, in context, all of that is fine because the X-Bow R isn’t really a road car. It’s a bona fide track weapon; a car unto itself, which doesn’t really bear comparison with anything.

When it comes time to justifying the purchase with the significant other, you may as well ‘fess up: this car is registrable and I need it in my life.

Surely, any respectful and understanding person would understand.

2017 KTM X-Bow R pricing and specifications:
Price: $169,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 220kW/400Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 8.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 189g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: N/A

Related reading:
>> KTM X-Bow R lands in Australia
>> KTM X-BOW GT4 2017 Review
>> KTM X-Bow R: Video Review