Saturday, March 15, 2014

BMW X1 - The Most Fuel Efficient SUV for Indian Roads

The BMW AG, the German auto giant, has been pioneers in the field of automobile manufacturing for the last few decades. Their SUV, BMW X1, was first revealed in 2008 at the Paris Motor Show. They started assembling this compact cross over in their Chennai plant in 2009 and by the end of 2010, the BMW X1 became very popular among Indian customers. A face lift edition was introduced in 2013.

Presently, there are three variants of this five seater SUV - sDrive 20d, sDrive 20d Sports Line and sDrive 20dx Line. Built on the BWM 3series platform, this vehicle is designed carefully to suit the Indian conditions. All the variants are fitted with diesel engines. The body comes in six shades; deep sea blue, midnight blue, Marrakesh brown, mineral white, glacier silver and Valencia orange.

The sporty styling, the LED based adjustable headlamps, fog lamps at the front and the rear, a power antenna on top, the rain sensing wipers, the body coloured bumpers at the front and the rear and the power operated ERVMs are the striking features of the BMW X1 exterior.

After the facelift, the interiors were given a dual tone finish that made it more appealing. An AC with automatic climate control and heating facility, leather wrapped steering wheel with an adjustable steering column, leather seats and a digital clock are the prominent features inside the cabin. The cabin is also equipped with a CD player with AM/FM radio and USB ports. For higher variants, a DVD player with Bluetooth connectivity is provided.

Safety features of the BMW X1 include ABS, a central locking and child lock facilities, an electronic engine immobiliser, front and side airbags for front passengers and a crash sensor which sends a message to the nearest service centre. For 20d line and sports line versions, a navigational system, a brake assist unit and an external sun roof are provided.

All the three variants are powered by 1995 cc, 184 bhp, and 380 NM torque diesel engines which give a mileage of approximately 15 to 17 kmpl. The transmission is automatic with 6-speed for the 20d and 20x line variants and 8-speed for sports variant.

The physical dimensions of the BMW X1 are 4454 mm length, 1798 mm width, 1545 mm height and a ground clearance of 179 mm. The wheels are 17" alloy type.

The prices of the BMW X1 20d, 20d sports line and 20dx line are approximately Rupees 27.9, 36.64 and 36.64 lakhs, respectively. The main competitors of BMW X1 are similar SUVs like the Audi Q3, the Chevrolet Captiva and the Mini Cooper Countryman. Competition sure is hotting up in this premium segment.

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