The 2018 BMW X1 range will be bolstered by the arrival of a new sDrive18i entry-level model in February, starting at $45,900 before on-road costs – $4000 more affordable than the sDrive18d variant.

Powering the new price leader will be the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol used in various Mini models, developing 100kW of power and 220Nm of torque.

Unlike the Mini range, however, the X1 sDrive18i sends drive to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with fuel use rated at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle. BMW also claims a 9.6-second sprint from 0-100km/h.

Standard equipment on the new base variant includes front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, a rear-view camera, LED headlights with cornering lights, high-beam assist, Driving Assistant with speed sign recognition, lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning, along with 18-inch alloy wheels.

Other highlights include a powered tailgate, 40:20:40 split rear seats, a 5.7-inch TFT driver’s display, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with iDrive 6, and the xLine exterior styling package.

For those wanting a higher level of specification, the entry-level X1 is available with several option packages.