The MU-X may look and feel a bit more basic than the Everest or Fortuner, but its tough Isuzu truck underpinnings is this SUV’s secret weapon. Isuzu also builds big commercial engines, designed to be reliable and robust, and that DNA is this engine.
Pros Great new engine Capable off-roader Decent third row
Cons Cabin is starting to age Boot is smaller than some rivals No advanced safety equipment
Like the D-MAX ute on which it's based, the evolution of Isuzu UTE's MU-X seven-seat SUV has remained relatively slow, its latest update headlined by extra torque from its 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (now 130kW and 430Nm, up from 380Nm) and a new six-speed automatic transmission (previously five).
Pros Rugged and practical Very comfy ride Drop-down rear video unit
Cons Lacking some new safety tech Turbo lag from a standing start Rather basic cab trim
By going transverse-engined the X1 has become technically less distinctive, but more useful in the real world.This is the second-generation BMW X1. The smallest BMW SUV. And this time around there’s been a big change. It’s based not on the natively rear-drive platform of the last one, but on the same front-drive/4WD setup as the 2 Series Active Tourer MPV, Mini Countryman and so-on.
Pros Performance, chassis and space, much-improved style
Cons Not cheap, interior a bit old-feeling, slightly brittle ride
"The BMW X1 is an economical, practical and good-to-drive compact SUV that’s better-looking than the model it replaced"There are two petrol engines to choose from, a 138bhp three-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine is offered in the front-wheel drive X1 sDrive18i, while the sDrive20i sits on the next rung of the ladder with a 2.0-litre, 189bhp engine, and the four-wheel drive xDrive20i sits above that. The latter is a quick car, reaching 62mph from rest in just over seven seconds, although its fuel economy can't match the less expensive model.
PROS Very good to drive Cheap to run Practical
CONS Expensive to buy Baffling list of optional extras Basic model is two-wheel-drive only
The BMW X1 is a fun-to-drive and well-built alternative to the likes of the Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3.
Pros Enjoyable to drive High-quality interior Decent cabin space
Cons A little noisy at speed Limited smartphone mirroring Alternatives have bigger boots
