Powered by a 161bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with a combined fuel consumption of 62.8mpg, CO2 emissions drop below a crucial threshold to hit 119g/km. This means that it attracts a company car taxation band of only 13 per cent for business drivers.
The latest X1 takes the relationship between sporty performance, athletic agility and fuel efficiency to a new level. TwinPower Turbo technology, which combines a variable geometry turbocharger and high-pressure fuel injection, gives maximum power at 4000rpm, while peak torque of 280lb ft comes in at 1,750rpm and remains constant until 2,750rpm. A centrifugal pendulum absorber in the dual-mass flywheel damps out vibrations at low engine speeds, while new insulation technology eliminates engine noise inside the cabin.
The BMW X1 xDrive20d EfficientDynamics has Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and an Optimum Shift Indicator adapted to suit the new engine’s characteristics. Electro-mechanical power steering, an air conditioning compressor, which can be disengaged, and tyres with reduced rolling resistance are fitted to Streamline-design light alloy wheels, all come as standard. The car also has a long final drive ratio to reduce engine revolutions at cruising speeds, but it still takes the car from zero to 62mph in just 8.3 seconds.
The most economical X product ever starts at £25,715 OTR when it goes on sale in September 2011.