The BMW X1 is an urban crossover, part compact SUV and part estate car. However, the emphasis is clearly on the ‘car’ part in terms of its ride and handling. The exterior design initially struck us as somewhat quirky, but having spent more time with the car, its looks have grown on us to the extent that we now find it quite appealing. Fitted with the optional 18-inch alloy wheels, our X1 xDrive20d looked positively cool.

From the driver’s seat the X1′s height is a little deceptive and the car quickly shrinks around you when stopped at the lights with a Qashqai, Tucson or Sportage driver looking down at you. Never mind though because with Jack Parow’s ‘Cooler As Ekke‘ playing on the excellent sound system, you won’t even bat an eye-lid. The sound system is just one of countless high quality components of the new BMW X1. Other gadgets include BMW’s iDrive infotainment system that includes satellite navigation, park distance control, an in-dash colour display as well as hard drive storage for your music collection.

The interior styling is modern and uncluttered, while still making all functions easily accessible to the driver. As expected, build quality is superb and the X1 has a definite feel of solidity to it. The X1 is luxuriously appointed and includes leather-covered seats, the front are electronically adjustable as an option; leather-covered multi-function steering wheel; automatic dual-zone climate control; a retractable front armrest and of course that 12-speaker sound system we mentioned earlier.

From a driver’s perspective, the elevated seating position gives a good view of the road ahead, while the car still feels wrapped around you – as opposed to a feeling of being perched on top of the car. The interior feels spacious and offers many storage areas for personal items – we like the practical elements, such as elastic bands in the door pockets and the rubber bands on the floor of the boot for securing items. The rear benchseat has space for three and the backrest folds down in a 40/20/40 split. With multiple angles of inclination, the backrest can be folded down to offer a range of cargo space from 420 to 1 350 litres. Adding a touch of luxury to our test car was an optional, electrically operated, panoramic glass roof. The xenon headlights with their automatic washing system worked very well, however, they are an additional cost option over the standard halogen units.

Safety-wise the BMW X1 comes standard with front, side and head airbags, adaptive brake lights and daytime driving lights. A multitude of electronic safety aids are also present in the form of Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control, ABS anti-lock brakes, Dynamic Brake Control and Cornering Brake Control. In the event of an accident the X1′s crash sensor serves to control activation of the airbags, turn-on the hazard lights, unlock the doors, activate the safety battery terminal and deactivate the fuel pump.

The BMW X1 xDrive20d’s thrust comes from a 2,0-litre turbocharged diesel engine. The 4-cylinder unit features a lightweight aluminium crankcase, has variable intake geometry on the turbocharger to reduce lag and uses common-rail direct fuel injection. The result is maximum power of 130 kW and torque of 350 N.m from 1 750 r/min. If you’re looking for a sporty drive, then the 150 kW xDrive23d is the model to go for, however, the xDrive20d offers a good compromise between power and economy, with a claimed 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of 8.4 seconds and average fuel economy of 6,2 l/100km. The engine is surprisingly vocal when idling, but as soon as you’re moving it isn’t nearly as pronounced. With a generous amount of torque the engine is a pleasure to live with and is smooth throughout the rev range. There’s a short amount of turbo-lag when pulling off, but otherwise the engine responds well to throttle inputs.

The 6-speed automatic steptronic transmission that was fitted to our test car is a R16 000 cost option, but one that’s worth paying for as the manual box we sampled on the launch felt a little awkward. For the extra money you get a gearbox that performs its duties smoothly, quickly and efficiently, complimenting the diesel’s torque. As a result, overtaking is done quickly and safely. And, while the performance of the drivetrain won’t set your heart racing, it does an excellent job of following driver input without a second thought.

The X1 offers a sportier ride than one might expect. The speed-sensitive power steering is taught at all times giving a positive feeling of control. The suspension is rather firm and on bumpy roads can become unpleasant, but for the majority of road conditions the X1′s ride is comfortable and reassuring in its connection with the road. The chassis is well balanced and torque distribution of the xDrive system is 40:60 front-to-rear. In corners the system sends more power to the rear axle in the interest of extra agility and to avoid understeer. When exiting the corner, the system reverts to the standard 40:60 power distribution to achieve better drive.

Between the permanent all-wheel drive and the suspension characteristics, the X1 handles well and is fun to throw around a set of corners. With 194 mm of ground clearance the X1 won’t be doing any serious off-roading, and in fact we’d say its far too pretty for that. The X1 will serve perfectly well traversing the occasional dirt road, launching the boat at the dam or making its way down sandy tracks to your favourite surf spot, but it’s not the car to get you over sand dunes or through the Okavango.

The BMW X1 offers a great compromise between sophistication, style, practicality and fun – especially the xDrive20d with its blend of economy and performance. It’s a car that will appeal to the young exec who works hard during the week and enjoys leaving the rat-race behind on the weekends with an active lifestyle.

What we like…

• Compact exterior dimensions with a practical and roomy interior.
• Enjoyable handling.
• A littler ‘X’ at a littler price.
• The compact air compressor tucked away in the boot (now standard on all BMW’s).

What we would like….

• An autohold feature for the automatic parking brake.
• Slightly lighter steering at slow speeds.