BMW's X1 marks the spot

We motoring journalists don't know we're born in New Zealand with places like Queenstown, Cardrona and Wanaka on the drive route for a car launch. That's where BMW launched its new X1 - a small SUV of some talent - to the New Zealand press corps last week.

The X1 is about the price of a 3-series sedan, starting in the mid-50k bracket, and having driven this agile, nimble wee feller on some of the South Island's finest roads, I have to say that if I was in the market, I can think of little else in the bracket that would live with it in terms of practicality and driving fun.

Priced the way it is, the X1 is well-placed to compete with the higher-echelon versions of the staple Japanese four-cylinder SUVs like the Honda CRV, Mitsubishi Outlander, and RAV4 as well as VW's Tiguan, etc.

With a choice of two diesel and two petrol engines, BMW also offers manual and automatic versions, as well as rear-drive only if you don't use four wheel drive and don't want to pay for it.
If you load the X1 with lots of gear it will move into the 70k area, but at the other end, it's a beautifully made urban-rural machine with disarming good looks, a very fine chassis and plenty of equipment.

Drawbacks? It's a bit snug in the rear seat, but empty-nesters - who'll be a good chunk of the X1's catchment - won't care a jot.

Younger buyers will be attracted by the X1 too, and I have to say given a choice of the X1 with a lineup of engines, drive systems and gearboxes against Japanese offerings for a similar price without much choice at all, it's a no-brainer!

One man and his dog

When stopped at Cardrona I came across a lovely old chap, feeding his dog in the pub car park. Holly, a gorgeous wheaten terrier, was accompanying Jack, the owner of a tidy Commodore wagon on a meandering trip around the south island.

The intrepid duo had comfy bedding and all sorts of good equipment aboard the Holden and look very much as one.

Jack explained that his wife had recently passed away and I got the impression that he and Holly were retracing the highlights of some old times when he and his wife had travelled together before.

I was deeply moved by this. A man, his dog, the world's most beautiful country in which to travel and memories to be relived with his cherished final companion.

I hope I never have to do it...and it genuinely moves me to tears to think that my wife might do it, what with my recent illnesses.

Snap out of it Dave - it's not that bad!

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Bemused   #1   08:59 am Mar 22 2010

Dave - get well soon.

Nice wee car, but I still wouldn't own one. Mind you, this is a better option than the giant X5 and the large SUV's of other car makers...

lincoln   #2   10:54 am Mar 22 2010

people are paying good money they should get good boot space and seating. Give them good value them people will give you more money.

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