The all new BMW X1 available in the autumn

Exciting times for BMW fans with the official news that the hotly anticipated BMW X1 is coming to the UK; available from 24th October 2009 the BMW X1 will be the fourth 'X' model released from the German carmaker following the success of the X3, X5, and X6.The X1 is BMW's first compact Sports Activity Vehicle and will be available with a choice of two or four wheel drive options. Aesthetically the car takes obvious styling cues from the 1-series but there are obvious links to the larger X5 with its chunkier and more robust look. With its higher driving position, five seat configuration and 1,350-litres of boot space the X1 is not just a slightly modified 1-series but a new model in its own right.A five model diesel engine only line-up has been announced with the entry level BMW X1 sDrive 18d SE available on the road for £22,660. The range topping BMW X1 xDrive 23d SE is available for £29,055 on the road.All five models utilise a 2.0 litre diesel engine, with both the sDrive 18d SE and xDrive 18d SE models capable of 143 hp and 320 Nm of torque; the sDrive 20d and xDrive 20d have the same engine however it has been tuned higher with improved performance of 177hp and 350Nm; effectively knocking approx 1.5 seconds off the 18d 0-62mph time. The range topping BMW X1 xDrive 23d can hit 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and generates 204 hp. The manufacturer has branded its rear wheel drive cars as sDrive and its all wheel drive cars as xDrive.EfficientDynamicsConscious of the cars environmental impact, BMW has included the full suite of EfficientDynamic technologies on the X1 (the first time an X model has seen EfficientDynamics technology) including Start-Stop technology, available on all manual transmission cars, Brake Energy Regeneration, optimum shift indicator, and optimised aerodynamics.The BMW X1 goes on sale in the UK on 24 October 2009, with the sDrive and XDrive 18d variants following in December; the car is sure to be a popular edition to the BMW range, and should prove very popular in the contract hire and car leasing market.

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