X3 gets a four-pot diesel

If you want a more environmentally friendly BMW X3 you have to pay $10,000 more than the price of a 2.5-litre petrol six.

No lower running costs or all the torque advantages that diesel engines offer for you...until now.

BMW has seen the light and will introduce a new entry-level X3 to the existing range (more here), in November. Fitted with a newly developed all-alloy four-cylinder diesel engine, the X3 2.0d undercuts the price of former entry level model, the X3 2.5i, by $3000.

The four-cylinder diesel X3 has been available in Europe for a long time -- albeit with an older design of engine -- but this is our first taste of the little tacker in the range.

That's not to say we're completely unfamiliar with the engine, since it's the same common-rail unit as that fitted in the 120d model. Peak power in the X3 application is the same as for the 120d --125kW -- and torque reaches the same respectable figure of 340Nm.

Over combined cycle testing, the X3 2.0d returns a fuel consumption figure of just 7.0lt/100km, which is very economical for an SUV with an automatic transmission, even one with six forward speeds.

BMW claims that the X3 2.0d's new engine is the cleanest in the segment, producing 185 grams per kilometre of CO2 emissions.

Not only is the new engine cleaner than many, it's also quieter, with balance shafts designed to keep the engine dimensions compact, but without detracting from NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) suppression.

The trim level for the X3 2.0d equates to the 2.5i grade, but with that pricing advantage in its favour; $62,900 for the X3 2.0d versus $65,900 for the 2.5i.

Coinciding with the introduction of the new model, BMW is expanding the number of paint options by two; Moonstone Metallic and Ruby Black Metallic.

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