What’s new: BMW has revised the smallest of its three off-roaders, with the X1 now featuring a subtle yet effective restyle and improved interior trim.
Excellent: The X1’s nimble handling and impressive 143hp 2.0-litre diesel engine illustrate BMW’s core strengths, and the facelift itself is low-key but makes a difference. BMW has also introduced a four-trim line-up with new Sport and Xline specs.
Good: All rear-wheel drive manual versions of the X1 are now under 130g/km, and the vehicle line-up is structured simply with a £1000 step between each of the four trim levels.
Average: The more powerful 20d version of the X1 is significantly more efficient than this 18d, although costs £1430 more, while the step from rear-wheel drive to the much less efficient 4×4 is £1355.
Poor: The X1’s ride quality isn’t particularly comfortable, while the equivalent Audi Q3 boasts a better RV.
Verdict: The tidy revisions help make the X1 more appealing, and both price tag and running costs place it as an alternative to upper medium executive saloons like the 318d.
