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BMW X1, the Little S.U.V. That’s Good to Finance

10th Mar 2011
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Sitting somewhere between the 3 Series Touring and the BMW X3, there is the BMW X1. A small(ish) sports utility vehicle with surprising efficiency. Starting at £24,265 for the base model 1.8 dSE sDrive, it isn’t the cheapest in it’s class to buy, but car finance is a great option to take away some of the pain and get you behind the wheel of a somewhat underrated car.

The X1 is actually based on the same platform as the AWD 3 Series Touring, with both 2 wheel drive (sDrive) and 4 wheel drive (xDrive). The strange thing is, it’s only offered with diesel engines (unless you live in America). However, as with all BMW diesels, they are not short of power. The base 1.8d has 1.8 141bhp and 140 lb-ft torque, up to the twin turbo 2.3 offering 201bhp and 300 lb·ft torque.

The quality of the X1 falls down slightly compared to the rest of the BMW range, but this car is built to plug a gap. If you want full quality, go for the X3 or X5 and pay the extra! Although the quality might be a little short for BMW standards, it is by no means poor. The attention to detail in the cabin is way ahead of it’s competition. The X1 is built in both Leipzig, Germany and Chennai, India. We have yet to see if there is a marked difference in quality between the two plants.

As it stands, the BMW X1 should have the reliability of other BMW’s. It’s this unwavering standard that helps keep BMW car leasing prices relatively low. Because they are sought after second hand cars, deprecation is low, creating more favourable finance prices, especially on a lease plan.

All engines pull well, with even the 1.8 hitting 60mph in under 10 seconds. The 2.3 is actually pretty quick, but the 2.0 should suit most people needs. The chassis shared with the 3 Series Touring means handling is very good, the X1 not getting out of shape despite the higher ground clearance and body.

CO2 emissions are low too, as you expect from BMW nowadays, from just 136 g/km to 158 g/km, this helps it slot in at a reasonable band E for tax purposes.

For now there is only one trim level, the SE. Unlike some other BMWs where things have been known to be a little scrooge like with standard kit, the X1 gets plenty of kit for your money. Dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel come as standard. Options include a reversing camera, panoramic glass sunroof and adaptive headlights.

Prices are from just over £24,000 to £31,245, though you may be able to haggle a little. But before you buy from your local BMW, consider using a finance option. If you don’t get sucked in by the BMW salesman, look around for other suppliers. By going to independent brokers, you can save a good chunk of cash. Finance A Car compares the best ways to fund any car and leasing a BMW X1 is the most cost effective way to drive one.

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