FACELIFT BMW X1 ON ITS WAY TO MZANSI

The new facelifted BMW X1 is headed for Mzansi in September 2012, and it will sport a new powerful engine for higher performance. According to BMW figures, 275 000 X1 models have been sold globally since the car was launched in 2010, making it one of the company’s biggest-selling cars.

X1 features a brand new front end with a fresh headlight design scheme with LEDs all over the show. A reduced plastic border at the lower front edge gives it a more premium look, while side indicators are integrated into their mirrors. BMW is also offering customers a new range of exterior colours to choose from, as well as a new sports steering wheel inside.

For the first time we’ll see xLine models being made available, as well as the Sport Line and M Sport package for more personalisation.

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system normally used by BMW, xDrive, is sold side by side with sDrive models which don’t send power to all wheels but only to the rear. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is part of the safety mechanisms, just like Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).

BMW has promised that the standard items list will be quite long, and include such items as climate control, CD player sound system and others. The options list will include a rear view camera, high-beam assists etc etc etc…

Some existing engines, new to the X1, are added. First the xDrive20i and sDrive20i have the identical 2.0-litre turbo doing 135kW of power and 270Nm of torque, with a 7.8 second 0 – 100km/h claimed sprint, and a 7 litre per 100km fuel average. Then the xDrive28i delivers 180kW and 350Nm, a stated 6.1 second 0 – 100km/h run, top speed of 240km/h and an average fuel consumption of 7.8 litres per 100km. Some of these cars will be offered with the option of an 8-speed automatic as an alternative to the standard 6-speed manual.

For the diesel runner, Mzansi will get the xDrive20d and sDrive20d versions, which both have a 2.0-litre turbo diesel motor with common-rail direct injection technology, pulling out 135kW and 380Nm of torque. Acceleration times are said to range from 7.8 to 8.1 seconds, depending on model and gearbox fitted. The average fuel figure is 5.4 litres per 100km.