BMW X1 xDrive23d

BRAND cachet is best described as an immeasurable force that surreptitiously influences consumers to desire and ultimately purchase products produced by a particular manufacturer.

In automotive terms, the "badge effect" certainly affords the premium- priced and unquestionably road-biased BMW X1 compact SUV a distinct advantage from the outset. Can it succeed on merit, though?

Although the X1 may look a little awkward, even slightly dumpy, in photographs by virtue of its aggressively-styled blunt nose and high roofline, the latest addition to BMW's X model line-up certainly is a cohesive and well-proportioned design, which was praised by the majority of CAR's testers.

The rear end is especially pert and features neat little L-shaped tail-light clusters, and the shoulder lines swoop gracefully from just below the Hofmeister kinks down to the base of the front wheelarches.

The front end, with its large kidney grille and "inverted tear duct" pockets under the headlamps, adds just the right dose of sportiness, but the optional X Line trim, which adds, amongst other things, satin-finished running board detailing, aluminium roof rails and similarly-coloured accents to the bumpers, could be a tad too flashy for some tastes.

The X1 isn't based on the 1 Series, as many might believe. It shares the One's suspension architecture, but is actually built on the 3 Series Touring's platform.

As a result, the interior is quite spacious, and the airy feel of the cabin is enhanced by the panaromic sunroof (standard fitment on the Exclusive Model specification, which adds R26 700 to the base price) and generous headroom.

The newcomer's interior build quality is impressive, and fit and finish even more so. The interior layout can be likened to an X5 cabin that shrunk in the wash and the ergonomics were widely praised, from the conventional gear selector (as opposed to the "pistol-grip" design utilised on the X1's bigger brethren), to the Professional satellite navigation system with its split-screen function and integrated reverse camera, which add R21 300 and R4 200 to the list price respectively.

Soft-touch materials abound, and the test team generally liked the contrast between the dark fine-wood facia inserts and the beige leather. The electrically-adjustable front seats (another extra-cost option) are body-hugging rather than cosseting, but offer a variety of adjustment and add to the X1's overall feel of premium solidity.

A number of testers found the rear legroom a little tight, but the rear bench can accommodate two adults in relative comfort and there's no lack of headroom either.

The angle of the backrest, which splits 40:20:40, can be adjusted manually to accommodate objects of odd proportions, and our luggage capacity measurements ranged from 288 to 1 024 dm3, which suggests the X1 offers a fair degree of cargo versatility, but it does lack a spare wheel...

The most impressive aspect of the X1, however, is its on-road dynamism. The ride quality, aided by the new-generation Goodyear EfficientGrip run-flat tyres, was admirably refined and despite the test unit's ground clearance (225 mm), the Beemer didn't run out of grip or roll about in the twisties.

In fact, the X1's handling prowess would do most wieldy compact cars proud, and one tester remarked that the overall ride and handling balance was arguably the best in the compact SUV class.

The steering feel was praised for its weightiness and crisp responses to inputs, but a couple of testers remarked that at lower speeds, the heavier steering action could become tiresome in congested urban traffic...

The as-tested top-of-the-range xDrive23d is only offered with a six-speed Steptronic transmission, and it is superbly complemented by the twin-turbocharged 2,0-litre diesel powerplant.

With approximately 90 per cent of the torque available between 1 500 and 3 900 r/min, the test unit seemed particularly brisk in cutand- thrust driving conditions, and those who felt the need to use the optional gearshift paddles felt they worked well. Apart from the oil-burner chatter at idle and slightly thrummy engine note at cruising speeds, the powerplant is highly refined...

In fact, some wind noise, which seemed to emanate from the A-pillar/side mirror areas, was the only impediment. So the X1 feels, performs and stops as well as one might expect from a BMW... Should you ever need to utilise the (standard) hill descent control, it happens to work quite well, as does the Performance Control system, which apportions torque to each of the rear wheels as conditions require.

However, once we had consulted the official BMW price list and added up all the extras fitted to the test unit supplied to us (we've only mentioned a few), we calculated the full price of this Marrakesh Brown xDrive23d with striking 18-inch rims at almost R600 000, which is significantly more expensive than many of its bigger Bavarian siblings, let alone the natural rivals in its segment.

TEST SUMMARY
Pricing concerns aside, the X1 is ultimately an impressive premium compact SUV even though its affordability depends very much on individual buyers' demand for luxury specifications.

In truth, the littlest X is desirable because of nifty packaging and its overall dynamics. The range offers a multitude of more astute trim and equipment packages as well as economical rear-wheel drive (sDrive) models to choose from, so the best value lies somewhat lower in the lineup.

Be that as it may, the X1 cannot be accused of being a poseur... in many ways, it showcases BMW at its very best.