BMW X1 is the perfect combination of supreme agility and versatile sportiness JEDDAH: It's natural to dream of driving a better car, a newer model. So finding oneself one day sitting behind the wheel of a brand new BMW X1 2011 model and cruising the major thoroughfares of Jeddah in comfort is probably a dream come true, even for a short time. Judging from the outside, I would aptly describe BMW X1 as a compact SUV or better yet, SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) – a perfect blend of a hatchback and a crossover – with an emphasis on putting the premium on quality and stability. It is the perfect combination of supreme agility and versatile sportiness. At first, basic questions came to my mind when I started the engine by pressing the ignition button, like how tight can it turn (especially at fast speed), how fast will it accelerate, how well does it brake, does it steer well, do I feel comfortable just sitting behind the wheel, can I operate all the controls without looking at them? All this and my other anxieties vanished once I sped away at a pretty good speed. BMW X1 safely answered all my concerns about safe driving, or more appropriately, defensive driving in Jeddah. BMW X1's high-precision power steering is accurate and well weighted, with wheels having a good grip of the road at all times, and its high-performance brakes keeping one at ease during sudden brake at high speed or turning corners at a speed that invites traffic enforcers to issue a violation ticket. Its engine is pretty smooth. Likewise, the X1 rides on run-flat tires. Steeping more on the gas, the chassis control is fairly tight, so the X1 turns with sufficient enthusiasm and a fair degree of poise. X1's interior justifies the "premium" tag. It is characterized by clear functionality and modern style. There are soft-feel surfaces everywhere one lays his hands on, with a couple of hard plastics thrown in too on the lower center console. There are plenty of storage compartments. Ergonomically, it's sound and the driving position is fine. As a crossover, the seat level appears to be somewhere between the height of a normal saloon and a conventional SUV. Space in the back is astonishingly good… from the leg room to head room. The rear seat backrests are adjustable, though, the trunk is relatively smaller. And for people who relish driving with sips of their favorite refreshment from time to time on their journey, the X1 has holder in the central console, not to mention ample spaces in the doors. Moreover, the spacious touch of X1 is underpinned by its audio system as well as its panoramic sunroof. No doubt that X1 achieved the highest score of five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test. NCAP (New Car Assement Program) is regarded as one of the most important and demanding tests required for new vehicles worldwide. The test scenario covers accident types such as the head-on collision, side crash and side impact against a steel post. Morever, modern drive-train technology gives the BMW X1 superior performance and efficiency all in one. The driver benefits from a powerful, economical and low-emission engine, BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, as well as a range of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. The suspension technology featured in the BMW X1 offers high-precision power steering, high performance brakes and Dynamic Stability Control including Dynamic Traction Control. X1 also features the latest generation of BMW iDrive functions, including the 6.5inch Business or 8.8inch Professional navigation systems. The iDrive system has been updated to provide easy access to all telecommunication, audio and entertainment functions. The BMW X1 invariably is the apple of one's eye.
