BMW X1, 2 Series Gran Tourer updated for 2017 – new engines, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission

Also announced as part of a slew of BMW’s rather comprehensive 2017 model year updates are changes to the X1 and 2 Series Gran Tourer. The two cars gain new, more powerful engines and added kit, with the X1 also seeing the addition of a new dual-clutch transmission.

From now on, the B38 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine in the 218i Gran Tourer now produces an extra 3 hp at 140 hp, cutting the 0-100 km/h acceleration time by 0.1 seconds to 9.4 seconds. It should be noted, however, that BMW only quotes this figure for models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, so those with the six-speed automatic will likely retain the same outputs as before.

As a consequence of the increased output, however, combined fuel consumption on the manual variant has increased to between 5.5 and 5.6 litres per 100 km depending on the tyre size used, as has carbon dioxide emissions to between 123 and 131 grams per kilometre.

The X1 sDrive18i gets the same engine, but adds the option of a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission – the first application of such a gearbox type on a non-M BMW production model since the Z4 sDrive35is and E90 335is – as a replacement to the previous six-speed auto. As with the 218i GT, it accelerates to 100 km/h a tenth of a second quicker, reaching the ton in 9.6 seconds.

Like its MPV sibling, it too uses a bit more fuel at between 5.5 and 5.6 litres per 100 km with the manual and between 6.1 and 6.2 litres per 100 km/h with the DCT. Carbon dioxide emissions, meanwhile, have gone up with the manual (121-124 grams per kilometre), but down with the DCT (122-124 grams per kilometre).

In addition to the uprated three-pot, the X1 also gains a revised B48 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder petrol on the sDrive20i variant, although the horsepower figure remains the same at 192 hp. The seven-speed DCT is found here as well, this time superseding the eight-speed auto.

As such, fuel consumption has gone down to between 5.8 and 5.9 litres per 100 km, while carbon dioxide emissions has also been decreased to between 130 and 132 grams per kilometre.

The aforementioned equipment changes to these two models include the addition of a multifunction steering wheel, ISOFIX child seat mounts on the front passenger seat and ConnectedDrive services (inclusive of smartphone app integration and BMW Online portal access) as part of the standard specification for the 2 Series Gran Tourer.

These changes also apply to the smaller Active Tourer model, while the X1 gains a standard-fit powered tailgate on the Advantage, Sport Line, xLine and M Sport trim levels.

GALLERY: BMW X1 in Malaysia

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