gear kereta

BMW’s new X1 scored points where it mattered most — the wife-acceptance factor.

THE BMW X1 is an SUV all right, but it hugs the road closer than is typical of its ilk and can almost, but not quite, be mistaken for a station wagon.

You get the sense that the 1 Series DNA runs in it but, in reality, the X1 is based on the all-wheel drive 3 Series Touring platform.

The review unit came in a striking copper-bronze finish and my wife’s reaction was surprising — the sleek and muscular looks, and colour were greeted with instant approval.

The X1 scored more points when she got in and found the front passenger seat to be electronically controlled.

This can only be good news for married men with an eye on an SUV — the wife-acceptance factor of the X1 is high.

Me, I found the grille somewhat cumbersome looking, while the bonnet just went on and on and on!

During the weekend we had it, the X1 was certainly a head-turner. Other cars were always making way for us; obviously, people wanted to get a better look at the X1 on the move!

The unit I was driving was the xDrive20d, the turbo-diesel version powered by a 1,995cc, four-cylinder engine with 177 horses on tap at 4,000rpm, and an impressive 350Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,000 rotations.

There’s a very slick, six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission coupled to the engine that allows manual shifting for those who want such a level of control.

The X1 has an all-wheel drive system, with a suspension that rides firmly and lends a solid and unshakeable feel to the vehicle over uneven surfaces.

It’s this character that the young and adventurous at heart yearn for.

This is not an SUV that pampers you (certainly, not going by the trim level); instead, it makes you pay attention to its road-holding, cornering and accelerating abilities, all of which are quite unique at this price point.

The engine is captivating once you’re off the blocks and cruising — the vehicle responds to the manual shifts quickly, and the power/torque factor allows the X1 to accelerate and overtake with impunity.

It’s typically BMW — brutal enough for the aggressive driver and, yet, able to settle into a more leisurely mode with ease.

Sure, there are the downsides for some drivers.

I was never really too happy with the driving position throughout the time I had the X1.

If I got myself in the perfect position from waist-up, it was a bit of a stretch for my legs and if I moved forward to rectify this, then I felt somewhat cramped upside.

The electronically-controlled settings for the steering were cool, though.

Creature comforts lean towards the basic rather than the excessive; the dashboard console is functional rather than flashy, and storage cubbyholes are limited.

The smaller “glove” box on top of the centre console, I suspect, is there because the local unit isn’t getting a fancier display or GPS. A shame really...

Automatic climate control is provided, but there are no air-con vents at the back.

The rear storage area is generous enough, and a privacy cover ensures that whatever you’re carrying is shielded from prying eyes.

A sleek roof rack takes care of bigger loads you might want to lug along for those dangerous outdoor activities.

Xenon headlights, a daytime driving light featuring BMW’s signature “Corona Rings”, and two-tone leather seats and sides are on the menu as well.

Technology-wise, there’s a combination of stability, cornering, traction and brake control to ensure the X1 stays firm on slippery surfaces if you’re keeping at reasonable speeds. I felt it to be tighter around the corners than most SUVs I’ve driven and this without a full load.

The muscular treads — 225/50 R17 all around — add to the visceral appeal of the X1.

As I said, the equipment trim inside is nothing to write home about; if you’re paying the princely sum of RM299,800 for an SUV or car, you would rightly expect to be pampered a bit more.

However, if it’s a BMW SUV you yearn, this won’t matter one bit — the X1 just invites you to get in, buckle up and take your pick of highway or pot-holed road.

Thrills ensured either way.