Category Archives: SUV

BMW, SUV, SUV/4X4

Revamp has the X Factor

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BMW X1

By Bill McCarthy

Think of the 1 series and you picture a relatively small car, but not so with this third-generation model of the X1, with its distinctive styling and increased space.

A bit of a transformation from its predecessor, with more standard kit, this SUV — BMW describes it as a Compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) –- certainly looks the part with eye-catching curves, smart light clusters, signature kidney-shaped grille sitting above a large air scoop. 

The rear end features a spoiler, while integrated roof bars and smart alloys round off a pleasing profile.

The interior is a real upgrade on what went before with high-end soft-touch trim and chrome finish dominating.

With the leather seats and multi-function steering wheel featuring snazzy stitching, there is no mistaking this is a premium vehicle.

The raised seating position emphasises the SUV-like quality and it features two information screens which seem to almost blend into each other and a floating armrest which houses the gear selector together with the smartphone charging tray.

The screens are a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a central curved 10.7-inch infotainment screen which controls navigation, infotainment and smartphone connectivity.

BMW says the latest iDrive is designed to provide intuitive touch and voice control. This reduces the number of physical buttons, controls and switches required.

The system offers optional functions like the Augmented View function as an optional add-on for the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system.

An interior camera makes it possible to take snapshots of the occupants or have images of the interior sent to a smartphone.

Engine options available are the usual BMW multitude of choices including two petrol, two diesel, two plug-in hybrid, and one all-electric model, with a choice of Sport, xLine, and M Sport models available. Prices start at just over £34k.

All models are well equipped and the xLine driven here features auto dimming rear view and wing mirrors, interior camera, parking assistant and head up display, but as with all BMWs the options list appears endless.

Powered by a two-litre turbo petrol engine supplemented by a 48V mild hybrid electric motor, this model offers plenty of pace and is fuel efficient.

The system is linked to seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch as standard.  Economy is decent with the claimed 39-43mpg seeming pretty close to the mark.

The 215 PS unit powers the car to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds while the intelligent all-wheel drive, or XDrive, gives maximum traction when required.

Various drive modes are offered from economy to sport with the upgraded chassis technology delivering agile handling, if not the comfiest of rides, particularly on difficult surfaces.

As an SUV, sorry SAV, it is a practical vehicle. Stowage space is good with a split height boot floor while the folding seats allow a capacity of 540 litres to be increased to 1,545 litres. Various cup holders and a central bin adds to practicality.

It is also packed with safety equipment, a comprehensive array of airbags, cruise control with brake function and the front-collision warning system, parking assistant including reversing assist camera and reversing assistant.

It now has a real X factor.

Factfile

BMW X1 xDrive23i 

Price: £37,595

Mechanical: 215PS, 1,998cc, four-cylinder petrol engine and mild hybrid electric motor driving all wheels via seven-speed Steptronic transmission

Max speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 7.1 second

Max speed: 145 mph

Combined mpg: 41mpg

Insurance group: tbc

CO2 emissions: 152g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Electric/hybrid, Honda, SUV

Big advance for HR-V

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Honda HR-V

By Bill McCarthy

The HR-V is a quantum leap ahead in design terms compared to say, the almost ugly duckling SUV stablemate, the CR-V of nearly 30 years ago. Both are now stylish vehicles, matching most in the marketplace.

It has a sleek, dynamic profile with signature grille and headlamp clusters with LED daytime running and projector headlights. 

Integrated roof bars, LED combination lamps and 17 and 18-inch alloys and discreet hybrid badging round it all off.

It comes in three trim levels, Elegance, Advance and Advance Style, driven here. All are well equipped, with even the entry-level receiving rearview camera, heated seats and Honda Sensing technology. This range-topper adds all the bells and whistles.

The interior feels upmarket with large glass areas making it light and airy. It features a commanding driving position.

It continues to offer bags of room, be immensely practical with its one-pull folding and tumbling ‘Magic’ rear seats, extremely versatile.

It has the ability to be a family runabout or a bit of workhorse, featuring smart, hardwearing upholstery and trim and a rubber tray in the boot to deposit wet wellies or clothes or even a wringing wet family pet.

Storage space is flexible thanks to seats that offer both ‘fold-flat or ‘flip-up’ options depending on the cargo space required.

Also available is the ‘Power Tailgate Walk Away Close’ function. The smart key detects when the key is moving away from the car, to automatically start closing the tailgate.

The centrepiece is a nine-inch touchscreen. It offers a number of apps and connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and controls the impressive sound system.

The vehicle is powered by two electric motors that work in conjunction with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and CVT transmission.

The combination delivers 131PS giving reasonable acceleration, but as you would expect with a hybrid, impressive economy for a car of this size.

It produces CO2 emissions from 122 g/km (WLTP) and returns around 52mpg. 

The intelligent Electronic Control Unit automatically determines whether to select electric motor only, combined hybrid drive or engine power only depending on the driving situation.

Selectable modes include ‘Sport’ mode can be activated via the drive selector, enabling even sharper throttle response; Econ mode adjusts the air conditioning system and throttle response for fuel efficiency and Normal mode, balances between both worlds.

For increased range, drivers can also select B-range from the transmission, which offers selectable levels of energy recovery when coasting or braking. The level of energy recovery and the resulting strength of the deceleration effect can be substantially increased by using the paddles behind the steering wheel.

It is a refined vehicle and Honda has reduced noise, vibrations and harshness (NVH) although the CVT can be noisy under acceleration.

Safety kit is comprehensive with a suite of active and passive safety systems as standard including full range of airbags and Honda SENSING technology includes new wider angle high-definition camera and a raft of other features.

Honda HR-V Advance Style

Price: £34,850

Mechanical: 180bhp, 1,498cc, 4cyl petrol engine and electric motors driving front wheels via a CVT automatic gearbox

Max speed: 106mph

0-62mph: 10.7 seconds

Combined mpg: 52.3

Insurance group: 18E-21E

CO2 emissions: 122g/kmBiK rating: 29%

Warranty: 3yrs/90,000 miles