Engine and gearbox
BMW offers just one petrol engine with the new X1 - the xDrive20i - which uses a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor. Alternatively, you have the choice of three diesels, the sDrive18d, xDrive20d, or xDrive25d. Again all three engines are turbocharged and all three are 2-litre, four-cylinder units.
The pick of the bunch is rather predictably the xDrive20d. It’s fast enough, frugal enough and has enough torque for everything X1 owners are likely to expect of a junior premium SUV. Gearbox choice consists of either a six speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. Normally we’d instantly go for a manual option, but the eight-speed auto suits the nature of the car better.
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