Crossovers competing against the R750,000 BMW X1

South African motorists looking to get into a new X1 must be prepared to part with at least R753,045 as this is what BMW asks for its refreshed entry-level SUV.

As premium as it gets in the crossover segment, the X1 is offered in xLine and M Sport specifications with two engine options per trim.

Either the xLine or M Sport can be had with a turbocharged motor connected to a seven-speed automatic gearbox, a 1.5-litre unit in the case of petrol, and a 2.0-litre in the case of diesel.

Both powertrains turn the front wheels only with the petrol model generating 115kW and 230Nm, while the diesel does a lower 110kW but a much more substantial 360Nm.

As a result, the petrol X1 sprints to 100km/h in 9 seconds at a combined fuel consumption of 6.5l/100km, whereas the diesel completes the run in 8.9 seconds returning an average of 5.0l/100km.

Features are plentiful in the pricy crossovers, too, with each model bringing cruise control with front-collision warnings, automatic LED headlight activation, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, an automatic tailgate, Sensatec upholstery, a Sport leather steering wheel, a reverse camera, and a reversing assistant.

Also standard is a 10.25-inch digital driver’s cluster flanked by a 10.7-inch infotainment display with support for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice control, BMW Maps, and the digital key.

Stepping up to the M Sport then adds adaptive suspension, sports seats in Alcantara/Sensatec, shifter paddles, and M Sport-exclusive cosmetics to the equipment roster.

Crossover competition

Naturally, the new X1 is still competing against its arch enemies, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, though a variety of brands have in recent years started creeping into the premium crossover segment including the likes of Nissan, Hyundai, and VW.

As such, the entry-level BMW now has more competition than ever before, as detailed below.

Click on the underlined prices to visit TopAuto Car Prices for more information.

VW T-Roc 2.0TSI 4Motion R-Line

• Price – R660,400
• Power – 140kW/320Nm
• 0-100km/h – 7.2 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 7.3l/100km

Nissan Qashqai 1.3T Acenta Plus

• Price – R670,600
• Power – 110kW/250Nm
• 0-100km/h – 8.9 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 6.1l/100km

Volvo XC40 B4 Essential

• Price – R718,833
• Power – 145kW/300Nm
• 0-100km/h – 8.4 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 7.3l/100km

Mini Cooper S Countryman

• Price – R730,204
• Power – 141kW/280Nm
• 0-100km/h – 7.5 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 6.7l/100km

Audi Q3 40TFSI Quattro S Line

• Price – R755,900
• Power – 132kW/320Nm
• 0-100km/h – 7.8 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 8.2l/100km

Hyundai Kona N

• Price – R764,900
• Power – 206kW/392Nm
• 0-100km/h – 5.5 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 8.9l/100km

Lexus UX 250h EX

• Price – R792,700
• Power – 135kW/188Nm
• 0-100km/h – 8.5 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 4.5l/100km

Mercedes-Benz GLA200 Progressive

• Price – R816,376
• Power – 120kW/250Nm
• 0-100km/h – 8.7 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 6.0l/100km