2011 BMW X1 xDrive 20d

2011 BMW X1 xDrive 20d

2011 BMW X1 xDrive 20d

2011 BMW X1 xDrive 20d

2011 BMW X1 xDrive 20d

2011 BMW X1 xDrive 20d

The X1 20d's 2.0-litre turbo diesel is the same unit found in the best-selling X3 model, though here the engine seems noisier than we recall. A shortage of sound-deadening material between the engine bay and cabin could be responsible.

The strength and smoothness of the 2.0L diesel argue a case against the more expensive twin-turbo diesel 2.3d. Performance is more than sufficient.It's also frugal, with an official 5.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (6.2 auto). Our consumption never registered above 8.0L/100km during both urban and country testing.

Standard equipment is respectable, though, and includes 17-inch alloys, cruise control, rear parking sensors, hill descent control, foglights, rain-sensing wipers, roof rails, climate control, leather steering wheel, Bluetooth, trip computer, six airbags and stability control.

Rear-drive versions will offer the cheapest seats (from $43,500) for the X1 from June but in the meantime, the 4WD range kicks off with the model we tested - the $52,700 xDrive20d manual.That's pricey by compact-SUV standards, though comparable with the closest the segment has had yet to a luxury model, the slightly bigger Land Rover Freelander 2. It's also noticeably cheaper than a 3-Series wagon with which (despite the X1 badge) it shares its platform.