But they have never appealed to me, with their ungainly styling and seating capacities of a school bus. Now though, having driven my share, I feel I am in a better position to make a judgement. And that is… I still don't like them much.
However, I understand their utility and the need for their existence and accept they will be with us for a long time. What I am still struggling to come to terms with are crossovers. These remind me of 12-year-old kids, wearing dad's trousers and shoes and trying to act like adults.
They don't fit in those clothes and for me, crossovers don't fit on our roads. Even though they have been with us for quite some time and the likes of Toyota Rav4 and Honda CR-V proved to be tremendous successes, there's something not quite right about them. And now it seems, they're getting even smaller. So small, they almost resemble hatchbacks.
One smaller
When I first caught a glimpse of the new X1 xDrive28i, ‘why' was the word that sprang to mind. I had seen it in pictures on the internet and it looked big on the monitor and I was sure it would take on similar dimensions to the X3 in real life. How wrong was I? Even though the X1 is just 114.3mm shorter it looks way smaller.
When it arrived at our office, I was shocked. Looking at the 4,454mm long, 2,006mm high and 1,545mm wide car that weighs 2,180kgs, I wondered whether we received the 3 Series Touring, with which it shares the chassis, by mistake. No. It really was the new X1. I wasn't convinced at all.
On the outside, it is suitably muscular and features flared wheel arches and a neat looking body kit. And why would you need a low slung body kit on a 4x4? Simple, because this one doesn't do off-road. It makes it look good and that's what matters more in this segment. Let's think about this. What do school-run mums really require from their car? Everyday practicality? Comfort and safety? A bitof image and style? However, the X1 looks a little awkward and is not as impressiveas the X5. It looks like it could do witha hearty meal.
It has plenty of boot space, though — 420 litres of it — but jump in the back and you feel a little cramped, and legroom is a little tight. It's perfectly fine for kids, but adults may find it a bit tiresome on long journeys.
So is it any better when you're in the driver's seat? The answer is a resounding yes. It is a BMW after all. Mums may need some convincing, but thanks to its sporty nature, you can be sure dads will be taking it for a joy ride.
Our test X1 xDrive28i packs a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with distributed fuel injection that makes 285bhp and 310Nm torque good for an impressive 0-100kph time of just 6.8 seconds and a flat out speed of 205kph.
It's brilliantly nippy and tackles corners with remarkable poise. Thanks to its part-time four-wheel drive, it really is a pleasure to fling it around corners. However, the deliciously sonorous exhaust note feels slightly out of place in a car of this type. But it sounds great nonetheless.
Inside story
Money is tight, and if you want to splash your hard-earned dirhams on something which is going to make you feel good about yourself, the X1's interior will certainly do that. From the padded thud of the door to the impeccable fit and finish all over, you can't question the quality, and it's a lovely place to be. The leather seats are supportive, comfortable and adjustable every which way you please, while the new iDrive is a delight to use. Much more intuitive now. And it's one of the few cars in which connecting your phone via Bluetooth doesn't require a degree in quantum physics.
The multifunctional, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and the gorgeous panoramic roof, not to mention the wood insert trims on the dash and doors, give the car a very smart look.
The back seats split down the middle and all three fold, leaving you with a reasonably flat luggage deck. But there still isn't as much space as your standard tank-size SUV, and it's not tall enough for you to see over those dunes. However, the five-door, five-seat X1 is great on fuel, consuming just 18.1mpg from the 61-litre tank.
I do have my reservations about the 17in wheels too — they look a little small, and don't fill the wheel arches very well. They could do with being bigger. The ride quality is pleasant, which is uncharacteristic of a ‘sporty' BMW.
Is it ‘sporty'?
With 194mm ground clearance, the X1 was never meant to be an off-roader. It will get you in and out of some rough, but it isn't meant for much more than that. What it does give you is a hiked-up driving position and the great confidence which comes with that. It has a clever stop-start system to help you save some money. Or the environment. Apply the handbrake and set it in neutral and it cuts the engine, which saves fuel and cuts emissions. But the best bit is the driving dynamics which are remarkable for a high riding 4x4.
The steering is weighty and may come as a shock to those only used to driving a small car. But persist with it, and it delivers a fine accuracy, giving you confidence and allowing you to sweep across bends quickly and accurately. The six-speed steptronic is precise and shifts smoothly while the engine is just superb. Although the term is thrown around too much these days, the X1 is genuinely a fun to drive sporty little car.
Verdict
But, the big question is, who is it for? Well, it's peppy, it can accommodate five people, it's great on fuel, it can haul luggage and it looks better with every glance. And it offers a high level of sophistication. I guess it's for people who like the idea of a crossover, but don't want to drive anything too tall or wobbly.
Right now it faces competition from the VW Tiguan, but the battle is only beginning to heat up with the Land Rover LRX and the Audi Q3 on the horizon. Come to think of it, it even has competition from its own family in the shape of the forthcoming Mini Countryman.
It was an all too short acquaintance with the X1, but here's the thing: It managed to change my opinion about SUVs and crossovers, after just a weekend of driving it. They aren't all that bad after all. But then again, they aren't all BMWs.
Specs and Rates
Model xDrive28i
Engine 3.0-litre six-cylinder Transmission Six-speed auto AWD
Max power 285bhp @ 6,600rpm
Max torque 310Nm @ 2,600rpm
Top speed 205kph
0-100kph 6.8sec
Price Dh215,000
Plus Bold design, comfortable and quick
Minus Takes some getting used to
