Having been released from the self-imposed shackles of rear-wheel drive philosophy, BMW has now well and truly joined the ranks in paddling cars with transversely mounted engines that powers the front axle, Mini aside. The switch to a FWD platform was always on the cards, not so much from a cost of point of view (at this stage, it probably costs BMW more to produce FWD cars), but to satisfy new customers who look beyond sheer driving pleasure.
In spite of the SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) label, the second generation X1 looks every bit a conventional SUV, and it’s all the better because for it. Aesthetically, think little brother of the X3 with familiar detailing and pleasing proportions. Because it no longer has to accommodate an engine mounted lengthwise, the X1’s taller cabin is much more accommodating than before. It’s an important factor this; people buy SUVs not only to sit higher but also to make better use of the available extra space, and the X1’s cabin size is one that could conceivably encroach upon larger SUVs perched a class above, and/or even cannibalize the 3-Series.
We’ve experienced the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged engine before in the Mini Cooper S, and the spirited four-cylinder shows up in the X1 in the same state of tune (192hp/280Nm), which at this point in time is only available in sDrive20i guise, so it’s front-wheel drive only. Curiously, unlike the Mini, it has an 8-speed instead of a 6-speed automatic, and since both are sourced from Aisin of Japan, BMW must take brand separation rather seriously to warrant an additional engineering variation.
At RM279,800, the fully-imported X1 is a good RM40,000 more than the previously locally assembled sDrive20i, and for its asking price, the X1 isn’t exactly teeming with toys (no rear camera, no powered tail-gate or proximity key access), though LED headlamps, 18in alloys and ConnectedDrive – the first time BMW’s comprehensive suite of in-car remote services have been switched on in Malaysia – are standard. As is typically the case, CKD assembly is expected some time down the road, perhaps with additional variants and hopefully richer specs. Of course, all that would hinge on how the X1 is received in the coming months. It’s a challenging road ahead.
Would you rather have the Audi Q3?
Coincidentally, within days of the X1’s launch, the facelifted Audi Q3 compact SUV was rolling into showrooms. Available in two variants as before – 1.4 TSFI and 2.0 Quattro – and with only a minimal increase in price for the 1.4-litre variant, the Q3 appears to be the value pick amongst the Germans, especially when you consider the amount of features that come standard.
Prices start from RM217,900 for the front-wheel drive, 150hp/250Nm 1.4-litre TFSI, which has 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, and RM252,900 for the all-wheel drive 180hp/320Nm 2.0-litre Quattro which comes with a 7-speed DCT. To tell the facelifted model apart, you’ll need to be able to identify its chunkier grille, new bumpers and lighting apparatus.
While it may have the shortest wheelbase (2,603mm) and overall length when pitted against the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Q3 is almost as tall as the BMW and is in fact the widest among them, with a handy 460-litre trunk space (1,365 litres with seat folded) that’s slightly behind the X1 (505/1,550-litre) and about on par with the GLA (481/1,235-litre). For better visualisation, the Honda CR-V is rated at 589/1,146-litre.
And then there’s the rest…
Like the Audi, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is also less pricey next to the X1 at RM236,888 for the GLA200 (FWD 1.6-litre turbo, 156hp/250Nm), and RM266,888 for the GLA250 (AWD 2.0-litre turbo, 211hp/350Nm). No surprise then that it has been churning out some strong sales numbers (averaging 100 units per month in the last quarter). It’ll be interesting to see if the BMW X1 can make inroads against its chief adversary in Malaysia, though not many would bet against the three-pointed star continuing its hot streak.
Lastly, for something more off-beat, don’t forget there’s also the not unattractive Volvo V40 Cross Country T5. At RM202,888, with 213hp/300Nm courtesy of its 5-cylinder turbo motor driving the front wheels, the V40 warrants attention simply because it’s not something you see regularly on the road, and the way Volvo presents “premium-ness” in a car is that much more charming.
