All-new last year, the X1, a compact utility vehicle based on the 3 Series platform, was launched in Canada in single trim, the xDrive 28i edition. For model year 2013 the lineup has been expanded with two additional 28i trim levels and four trim levels of an all-new 35i edition. All Canadian X1 models come with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The 28i is powered by a 240-horsepower, 2.0-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-seed automatic. The 35i comes with a 300-hp, 3.0-litre turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Here’s a extract from an autos.ca test drive report on the BMW X1 xDrive 28i: James Bergeron / autos.ca: “Going through my rating system, it seems that for the most part I was pretty impressed with the X1 — and I was. It is a comfortable cruiser (minus the leatherette seat problem), it is sporting yet still versatile and it is fun to drive. I wish they would can the whole SAV thing, as this really is just a taller wagon, which probably why I like it: it is easy to get in and out of and offers the driving feel of something that rides closer to the road without the penalty of a harsh ride. The new four-cylinder turbo-charged engine delivers power when you need it and it also provides efficiency. I managed to average a rather impressive 8.4L/100km over the course of a week, and that is better than some small cars I’ve tested with half the power and most definitely better than any other small luxury utilities out there.”