BMW X1 Priced 7 to 11 Percent Lower than X3 and Relatively Close to VW Tiguan in Germany

As well as publishing the official photos and specs of the X1, BMW has also confirmed pricing on its new compact SUV for many European markets. In Germany, the entry-level, rear-wheel drive X1 sDrive18i petrol model will go on sale in Europe from the beginning of 2010 with a starting price of €27,200. The range topping, all-wheel drive xDrive28i with its 258HP straight six gasoline engine is priced from €41,500 or 7.3 percent (€3,400) less than the 272HP X3 xDrive30i.

Since the X3 is not offered with the option of rear wheel drive, we can only compare the xDrive variants of the two vehicles. Both the xDrive18d and 20d are priced around 10 percent lower than the respective X3 models.

But how does the X1 compare price-wise with other compact SUVs in Germany? As we said before, the base X1 RWD sDrive18i, which should logically come with a 143HP 2.0-liter petrol, costs €27,200.

In comparison, the entry-level, front-wheel drive VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI 140HP is priced at €26,050 while the basic Toyota RAV4 that is moved by a 2.0-liter with 158HP, costs €23,200.

The base all-wheel drive diesel version of the X1, the 143HP xDrive18d that should be one of most popular versions in Europe, begins from €31,550. That's compared to the VW Tiguan 140HP TDI 4Motion's starting price of €29,600 and the Toyota RAV4 150HP 2.2-liter D-4D's €27,300.

Price Comparison X1 vs X3 in Germany

BMW X1 sDrive18i €27,200 -

BMW X1 sDrive18d €29,550 -

BMW X1 xDrive18d €31,550 - BMW X3 xDrive18d €35,550 (+ €4,000)

BMW X1 sDrive20d €32,400 -

BMW X1 xDrive20d €34,400 - BMW X3 xDrive20d €38,300 (+ €3,900)

BMW X1 xDrive23d €38,800 -

BMW X1 xDrive28i 258HP €41,500 - BMW X3 xDrive30i 272HP €44,900 (+ €3,400)

New Volkswagen Tiguan R Line: It's all about the Looks

Volkswagen will be launching a spicier looking version of its Tiguan SUV in the UK this summer. Designed and built by the firm's Individual division, the R Line model features visual changes over the standard Tiguan through a sporty package but no increase in power. The basis for the new R Line is the Sport model which has been adorned with a body-colored front splitter sitting below the front bumper along with a unique matt chrome grille section and blistered wheel arches that surround new R Line 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 tires.

There's also a set of subtle body-color sill extensions complete with matt chrome highlights fitted into the new rear bumper that comes with a small diffuser element. Finally, a small spoiler sits at the top of the rear window to complete the new look.

For the interior, VW Individual equipped the Tiguan R Line with a new flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel joined by aluminium pedals and trim plus a set of contoured sports seats complete with 'R' logos New R Line. Furthermore, a two-zone climate control is also fitted as standard.

VW offers the new R Line model with a range of 2.0-litre TDI common rail diesel engines in 140HP and 170HP outputs as well as a 2.0-litre TSI engine developing 200HP. The Tiguan R Line can be specified with a choice of five colours; Candy White (pictured), Reflex Silver, Deep Black, Biscay Blue and Mountain Grey.

In the UK, the new Tiguan R Line is due to arrive in showrooms in June with prices starting at £24,635 for the 2.0-litre 140HP model rising to £26,305 for the 2.0-litre TSI range-topping engine.

B&B Tunes the new VW Tiguan up to 300HP

There seems to be no shortage of tuning proposals for Volkswagen models of all sorts these days. One of the latests offerings comes from German tuning house B&B that has presented an extensive tuning programme for Volkswagen's compact SUV, the Tiguan. Starting with the engine kits, B&B offers various tuning stages for all gasoline and diesel units.

Specifically, the base gasoline 1.4 TSI 150HP can be upgraded to deliver 190, 200 or 220HP, the 2.0 TFSI 170HP to produce 220, 240, 280 or 300HP and the 2.0 TFSI 200HP, 240, 250, 286 and 300HP. As for the diesel range, the 2.0 TDI 140HP can be modified to develop 174 or 200HP and the 2.0 TDI 170HP, 200 or 220HP.

The engine mods can be accompanied by a sport suspension kit that lowers the ride height as well as a full bodykit and various alloy wheel designs available in sizes 18'', 19'' or 20''.