BMW X1................

BMW(BAVARIAN MOTOR WORKS) as we all know, is famous for its performance oriented cars, recently rolled out its cheapest car in the Indian market the X1. X1 has been launched with a basic price of Rs 22lakh which makes it cheaper than Honda CR-V and many other similar vehicles.BMW will be assembling its X1 in the Chennai facility, thus as mentioned earlier custom duty will be levied only on certain imported parts.As a result the car comes with a astonishing price tag.

• EXTERIOR

The new BMW baby preety much looks like a traditional BMW car.Twin kidney shaped grille, twin barrel headlamps and huge square shaped wheel arches give the X1 a typical BMW look.However there are few new bits included in the car like,heavily sculpted bonnet can be observed through a bulge in the center of the bonnet, and splitter in the front gives the car more squarish look. Dimensionally the car is proportionately longer and wider rather than being taller, which gives the X1 a more Station wagon rather than SUV look.

The rear of X1 is simple but quite BMW like with sharp L shaped tail lamps, a downward slopping roof.Only one exhaust pipe available on the X1. 

Basically, the X1 is built on a 3 series estate(Example Indigo Marina) version platform and is differently tuned for off-roading purpose.A high ground clearance of 194mm, a long wheel base of 2760mm, and a different body style are the parameters which separates the X1 from the 3 series.  

• INTERIOR

In the interiors, many familiar bits are carried over from the 3 series.The steering wheel,gear lever,the center console and the seats are the same as they are used in the 3 series, but it doesn't really matter when the quality of the material is just perfect. The new bits includes a more curvy dashboard, new angular designed vents and some pieces of faux wood.However some parts of the dashboard like glove box, door pads ,handle bars are disappointing for the material quality.Overall ,material quality is impressive and the cabin feels solidly built and feels like BMW standard.The higher end version  comes with a BMW i Drive system, while the lower spec version comes with a single CD changer with aux and USB interface.

The front seats are very generous and are very comfortable.It provides excellent comfort and space for the front passenger.The road vision from the raised cabin height is very good, and the front seats arrangement gives a optimized driving position.There are lots of storage spaces upfront, and lots of small cubby holes for small storage bits. 

The rear space is very disappointing, with three persons seating abreast, the rear seats feels cramped and uncomfortable. The floor is not flat in the middle row due the car being a rear wheel drive(power transmitted to rear wheels) and the intrusion of the transmission system.The important priority has been given to the drive line as it being a SUV.

The trunk space is a reasonable 420 liters without the seats folded.The X1 has  a very unique seating arrangement in the form of 40:20:40, which is a first in any Indian car.The seats can be folded in the above mentioned configuration for added flexibility.The front seats are powered and has 3 configuration seat memory.   

• ENGINE, PERFORMANCE & GEARBOX

The X1 has two engine options, a 4 Cylinder, 16 valve, Dual overhead camshaft, 1995cc common rail direct injection diesel engine, producing a healthy 177Bhp and 35.69 kg-m of torque. The engine is straight over carried from the very popular 3 series a.k.a 320d. However even though the engine is same, the insulation is less compared to 320d, the engine makes noticeable noise till it gets warm, and there is a slight feeling of lag when u overtake some car or need that extra power when overtaking.

However the performance is good with a strong 100km/hr coming up in 9sec and can reach a maximum speed of 205 km/hr.The transmission is through a six-speed triptronic transmission.The manual mode is more crisp feels better to use than the automatic version.

• SAFETY

SIX AIRBAGS, electronic stability program, all wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes comes as standard on all variants.

• SPECIFICATIONS

DISPLACEMENT	1995CC	1995CC
MAX POWER	177bhp	150bhp
MAX TORQUE	35.69 kg-m	25.70 kg-m
TRANSMISSION	6-speed Triptronic	6-speed Triptronic
LxWxH	4454x1798x1545 mm	4454x1798x1545 mm
ENGINE	4cyl 16 valve DOHC	4cyl 16 valve DOHC
WHEELBASE	2760mm	2760mm
TYRES	225/70 R17	225/70 R17
SUSPENSION	(F)-Independent double joint tie bar axle (R)-Independent Double wish bone	F)-Independent double joint tie bar axle (R)-Independent Double wish bone
KERB WEIGHT	1500kg	1315kg
STEERING	Hydraulic Power assisted	Hydraulic Power assisted
BRAKES	(F)-312mm ventilated Disc (R)-300mm ventilated Disc	(F)-312mm ventilated Disc (R)-300mm ventilated Disc
Ground Clearance	194mm	194mm