The “hot hatch” has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years. A new generation of drivers discovered what many from previous generations already knew: hot hatches are among the best mixes of performance and practicality available. The segment features plenty of options, but one that may get lost in the shuffle is the BMW X1 M35i.
BMW calls the X1 M35i a sport-activity vehicle, but its size and performance screams “hot hatch”!
Part of the reason it’s not really thought of as a “hot hatch” is because BMW keeps calling it a sport-util … er, excuse me … a sport-activity vehicle.
No matter how annoying that classification may be, it only takes a quick glance to know that it’s basically the same size as the first name that comes to mind among hot hatches, the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
However, once you climb behind the wheel of the new X1 M35i and start tossing it around, you’ll very quickly realize it’s not only a hot hatch, it’s among the best of the lot.
Wolf in sheep’s clothing
Sorry VW, but the X1 M35i is very understated — following the lead of the aforementioned GTI. It retains the Bavarian automaker’s simple, clean design approach with only a few clues that there is more going on that meets the eye.
Like its siblings, it does retain the classic boxy exterior that suggests comfort and luxury. However, a closer look gives you clues … such as the two pairs of tailpipes, the 20-inch bi-color spoke wheels with the fire-engine red M-Sport calipers on run-flats. Of course, the simple giveaway is the badging, but you see those bright red brakes long before you notice the M Sport badges all around the car.
Powered by a 2.0-liter, 16-valve inline 4-cylinder putting out 312 horsepower, this is the side of the X1 M35i you’ll likely see the most.
Also like its siblings, the kidney grille is prominent and starting to look more like the one that most BMW mavens prefer (though I never really had a problem with the beaver teeth), and it, of course, sports the appropriate M-Sport badging.
Finally, the front apron with large air intakes ensuring the engine, transmission, and brakes always remain within their optimum temperature windows, makes one raise an eyebrow. Prominent side skirt extensions, a model-specific roof spoiler, and a rear apron with diffuser inlay confirm why you raised the eyebrow.
It’s a great-looking small performance machine, especially in the classic Froze Pure Grey Metallic. It’s probably better described as classic BMW silver.
Get in and buckle up
It looks the part on the outside because it plays the part on the road. The new version of the X1 M35i is powered by a 2.0-liter, 16-valve inline 4-cylinder that wrings out 312 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. All of that is funneled through a 7-speed dual clutch with paddle shifters.
Need to pull into traffic after running to the grocery store? No problem. Late to get your kid to practice? No problem. Want to find some twisty, curvy roads while they’re at practice — yes please!
And that’s because this screaming beast is ready to have some fun. BMW’s Adaptive M Suspension with sport steering makes let’s you release your inner rally driver — on in my case, pseudo canyon carver. I live in southeastern Michigan so you have to really hunt for roads to push these types of vehicles on. Fortunately, I live near a few and this car was among the best three rides I’ve ever flogged around those roads.
Body roll is nearly non-existent — even when you’re pushing the limit. The paddle shifters, while not the same level as enjoyable as a gear shift lever, provide plenty of responsiveness and feel to make you feel like you are working this vehicle hard.
This thing even sounds good … not great, but good. Perhaps just as importantly, it does all this while getting 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, which is good for 26 mpg combined, according to the EPA. My results were slightly lower, but I pushed this pocket rocket hard for the week I had it.
You didn’t mention the drive select system is on the display screen for sport mode and to engage sport + you have to agree that the traction and stability will be disabled.
I don’t know if it’s the case with the X1, but the F39 X2 M35i sounds better if you deactivate the fart machine (“active sound design”). I’m not sure why they think we’re kids who need to be titillated with fake engine noises, but the only way to turn them off in the F39 is with a coding tool.