The most fuel-efficient crossover you can buy in South Africa is the BMW X1 xDrive30e, which claims to have a consumption as low as 1.6l/100km.
This absurdly low figure is the result of it having a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, which allows it to get by on nothing but electricity for smaller journeys.
Since our day-to-day trips around town account for the vast majority of driving we do, a PHEV system like the X1’s means it is possible to avoid dipping into that fuel tank on most occasions, resulting in an exceptionally low average petrol stat.
Efficient travel
The X1 xDrive30e’s powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is helped out by a front-mounted electric motor.
The petrol plant produces 110kW and 230Nm while the e-motor generates 130kW and 247Nm, which results in a combined system output of 240kW and 477Nm.
Regarding the fuel-saving aspect, this is thanks to a 16.3kWh battery, which affords an all-electric driving range of 89km at a top speed of 140km/h.
The 89km allowance, in theory, is more than enough for an owner to perform their daily routine like driving to work, to the shops, or to drop the kids off at school, meaning the individual is effectively driving an electric car for all intents and purposes.
This is why the BMW and other PHEV models claim to consume so little fuel, as strategic use of the electric capabilities of the car means it is possible to avoid using petrol for most trips.
In the event that you do need to drive somewhere further away, however, the petrol engine will take over and you’ll end up with a consumption figure closer to the 6.5l/100km managed by the non-electrified X1.
Factoring in both the 16.3kWh cell and the 47-litre fuel tank, the X1 has a maximum driving range of 920km before both need to be topped up.
On that note, the battery takes about two and a half hours to fully charge with a 7.4kW AC socket.
Of course, the xDrive30e doesn’t come cheap, as it is the most expensive option in the already premium X1 series.
It costs R1,050,000, or R1,090,000 if you want the M Sport version, but you do get a lot of kit for that cash.
The range-topping X1 comes with a 10.25-inch digital driver display and a 10.7-inch iDrive infotainment system with BMW Maps, voice commands, and Apple Carplay and Android Auto support.
It also features automatic LED headlights, bi-tone 20-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara seats, cruise control with front-collision warnings, dual-zone climate control, automatic wipers, a Sport leather steering wheel, and the Parking Assistant package with a reverse camera and parking sensors.
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