BMW X1 launched in Malaysia
BMW Group Malaysia today unveiled the X1 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) for our local market. Making its global debut in July 2009, the X1 opened a new market niche for premium compact SUVs (SAVs, if you’re that insistent) slotting below the X3.
“The BMW X1 incorporates all the traits known to BMW and successfully blends them with current real world requirements and concerns. It is an SAV that sets a new benchmark for driver satisfaction and utility, while also being economical both in terms of cost to the consumer and environment – a true testament to the capabilities of BMW EfficientDynamics technology and a true success story in automotive sustainability.” said Mr Geoffrey Briscoe, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
During its global debut, BMW announced a total of six different drivetrain combos for the X1 – one petrol and five diesels. All five diesel variants are powered by the 1,995cc N47D20 inline-4 turbodiesel engine in three different states of tune – 143hp, 177hp, and 204hp. The two lower-powered variants are offered with the option of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
From that clutch of models, the one that made its way to Malaysia is the 177hp variant with all-wheel drive, dubbed the xDrive20d. This model is offered standard with a six-speed manual transmission, though in keeping with our market demands, BMW Malaysia is specifying the x20d (our short form) with a six-speed auto instead.
In June 2010, the X1-x20d will be joined by a petrol-powered rear-wheel driven sibling. A previously unheard-of variant, the sDrive18i had only commenced production at Leipzig last month, and Malaysia is among the first markets to receive this variant – a necessary addition to its model range for the Asian market when the only other petrol variant on offer is the 3.0-litre xDrive28i.
Under the sDrive18i’s bonnet is the naturally aspirated 1,995cc N46B20 four-banger pick-pocketed from the E90 320i. Tuned with improved fuel consumption in mind, the s18i makes do with six fewer horses than the 320i, producing 150hp @ 6,400rpm, though torque output is identical with 200Nm produced at 3,600rpm. Mated to a six-speed auto, BMW specs indicate that the s18i is compatible with fuel rated from RON 91 to 98.
The diesel variant of the X1 continues BMW’s work in promoting the advancement of diesel power in Malaysia, which started last year with the Advanced Diesel quartet of the 320d, 520d, X3 xDrive20d, and the 730Ld. While we at Autoworld continue to keep our fingers crossed, the folks at BMW Malaysia are looking forward to the arrival of the highly-anticipated Euro IV diesel, which in our view, couldn’t come soon enough.
“BMW has been greatly encouraged by the Malaysian government’s commitment towards introducing more efficient green technologies, which is a goal that runs parallel to our own. The imminent introduction of Euro IV standard diesel by 2011 is a particularly encouraging move which BMW is keen to support with the introduction of as many of our advanced diesel variants as is possible” said Briscoe.
Both variants of the X1 bound for our shores are equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard, with wheel-mounted sensors capable of detecting either of oversteer or understeer. To help counter possible loss of control, the DSC system controls ABS, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). Once again, we attach our usual warning that these systems are only there to aid the driver, and not help him/her cheat the laws of physics. No electronics, however brilliant, can make a car crash proof. No way.
A useful selling point in the X1’s cabin, and we think this is well thought-of, is the 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, which allows for cargo capacity to vary from anywhere between 420 litres to 1,350 litres.
The retail prices for the BMW X1 xDrive20d and the BMW X1 sDrive18i (On the Road without Insurance, and inclusive of 3-year BMW Service + Repair Inclusive package) are as follows:
