BMW releases new X1 mini SUV pictures
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 01 October 2008
BMW has released the first official pictures of the new X1 compact SUV concept, ahead of its debut this week at the Paris Show.
With a production version expected to arrive in the UK in a year's time, the X1 concept shows a car that look virtually production-ready
The German manufacturer will be hoping to capitalise on the recent trend for downsizing, as car buyers desert larger SUVs such as the X5 in favour of leaner, cheaper models such as 4x4 estates and mini SUVs.
Confusingly, the X1 concept is barely smaller than the current X3 - it's only 100mm shorter and has a wheelbase a mere 30mm shorter, leaving the market placing of the X1 a matter for the admen.
The Banglified styling is unsurprisingly pretty reminiscent of the X3, with arguably slightly more a of sports coupe direction.
As well as volume models such as the Ford Kuga and VW Tiguan, the likes of the Audi Q3, Land Rover LRX and MINI Crossman will be likely competitors.
Indeed, the X1 shares the same platform as the Crossman, which is itself derived from the 3-Series allowing for a wholesale transfer of engines and transmissions from the saloon to the baby SUV.
The X1 will be driven by rear-wheel drive, with torque going to the front wheels when available, though it's unlikely the X1 will be doing vast amounts of off-roading.
Prices are likely to start around £25,000 - putting it straight up against high-end versions of the Kuga, Koleos, QASHQAI and Tiguan.
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