BMW X1: filling a gap in the market
The BMW X1 is an exercise in marketing strategy, designed to fit in below the X3 and X5 off-road 4x4s and provide an alternative to those considering a 1-series. If you’ve been wondering whether you should take the plunge on a BMW X1 lease deal, you should know as much as possible about this little ‘Off-Roader’.
BMW has spotted a demographic of customers considering both small executive cars, such as the 1-series, and larger cars offering an off-road style driving position and commanding road presence, such as those on offer by BMW’s X-range of cars.
By combining elements of the X-range with the size of the 1-series, BMW has produced a small, niche off-road vehicle with all the quality and kudos always associated with the Bavarian brand. But will a BMW X1 hire purchase deal bag you the right car, one that actually fills a void that no other car can?
A BMW X1 finance plan will get you a physically imposing car. This is only right and, considering recent fashion trends, BMW would be missing a trick by not designing the X1 to look and feel like a proper, capable off-road car. However, whilst you can opt for a BMW X1 finance plan on the 4×4 version, it’s best not to set your off-road expectations too high.
If you opt for a BMW X1 hire purchase deal, you’ll be getting a car that includes stiff suspension, big wheels and slim tyres, which means that its off-road ability is somewhat limited. However, as the majority of X1 drivers probably won’t be undertaking hazardous treks terribly frequently, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Meanwhile, the X1 will no doubt keep you satisfied on the road. Although it does have a characteristically stiff ride, this also gives it excellent handling – and the X1 certainly fills a gap in the market.
BMW X1: an off-road hatchback with big ambitions
The BMW X1 was launched in the UK in 2009 to a warm reception. Whilst the ‘X’ range has enjoyed success in the UK, largely thanks to the family off-road car the X5, the X3 and X1 models have tried to re-write the rule book for smaller, taller, off-road cars.
What’s more, a BMW X1 lease deal or BMW X1 finance package makes the car surprisingly affordable, particularly for a ‘premium’ brand like BMW.
Of course, the real question is: if you decide to go for a BMW X1 hire purchase deal, will you be getting a car that brings the big, off-road spirit of the X5 to you, but in a smaller, more affordable package?
The short answer, you will be glad to hear, is yes. Even more so than the X3, a BMW X1 finance plan will get you a high-riding, capable car that handles well – and boasts great style and looks. Plus, with the four-wheel drive ‘Xdrive’ transmission, you’ll be getting a capable off-road car as well.
Of course, there is formidable competition from rivals like the Ford Kuga, which is slightly more affordable. And, despite the X1′s versatility and build quality, the interior doesn’t quite match up with the luxury you might usually expect from a BMW – which, if you’re hoping for an opulent cabin, might disappoint.
In practice, the X1 is more like a large hatchback than a small 4×4. Whilst it does have the off-road ability of a 4×4, as a result its boot and rear passenger space are compromised.
If you’re willing to accept this trade-off, however, then you should be happy with the X1’s sporty feel, great value and agile handling – all of which makes a BMW X1 hire purchase deal a very tempting proposition.