BMW X1 E84 vs Renault Captur MK1
BMW X1
E84 · 2009 – 2015
The first-generation X1 (E84), rear-wheel-drive based.
Renault Captur
MK1 · 2013 – 2019
The first Captur (MK1), on a modified B platform.
BMW X1
Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.
Renault Captur
Pick the MK1 for an affordable, flexible early Captur with a clever sliding rear bench.
Performance
N20 20i · Petrol vs 0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol
| BMW X1 | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
90 hp
|
| Torque |
270 Nm
Winner
|
135 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,7 s
Winner
|
12,7 s
|
| Top speed |
205 km/h
Winner
|
171 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
121,1 hp/t
Winner
|
83,3 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
168 g/km
|
105 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,7 L/100km
|
4,7 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X1 | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
420 L
Winner
|
377 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.350 L
Winner
|
1.235 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,76 m
Winner
|
2,61 m
|
| Length |
4,45 m
|
4,12 m
|
| Ground clearance |
18,3 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,8 m
|
10,4 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
Winner
|
900 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X1 | Renault Captur | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive) | B (modified) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | N20 2.0 petrol · N47 2.0 diesel · N55 3.0 (xDrive35i) | 0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 dCi |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 5 | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- N47 timing chain (pre-2011)
- Transfer case (xDrive)
- Cooling system needs checking
- 1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
- EDC: jerky shifts at low speed
- Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes
Pros
- Handling thanks to rear-wheel drive
- Compact footprint
- Good headroom
- Flexible sliding rear bench
- Affordable and plentiful used
- Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel
Cons
- Firm ride
- Small boot for the class
- 1.2 TCe carries chain risk
- Boot and rear legroom smaller than MK2
Driving experience
BMW X1
—
Renault Captur
Light and easy to place in town with a reasonably high driving position, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is acceptable but the ride is firmer than a conventional supermini, especially on larger wheels. The 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe feel responsive for daily use when healthy, while the 1.5 dCi is stronger on the motorway. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but often shows low-speed hesitation or judder. Overall a competent compact crossover of its era rather than a driver's car.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
