Interesting read AlanBang and I agree with all of your comments. Like you, we are moving from diesel (190PS Tiguan) to petrol and wanted an engine that didn’t feel like a big step down, given that torque will be less. Electric isn’t an option for us yet as we do touring holidays and couldn’t be doing with the range anxiety and faff of recharging. Most of the petrol SUV choices on the scheme are 1.5 variants and, also like you, the drop in both power and torque was a concern. With the 20i engine you at least retain the power and it’s also more economical in real world driving than most of its peers with smaller engines. The xLine version of the X1 is very well equipped and the standard leather is excellent quality (unlike the leather we paid extra for in the Tiguan). As you drove the pre-facelift version you will see a big step up in interior quality with the model that you will end up with. Looks better too.
We went for Mineral Grey with Oyster & Black interior. After much debate (and trying both seat types in two long test drives) we also opted for the Sport Seats. We’ve also added Sun Protection Glass (improves the look!), Harman/Kardon Surround Sound System and both Technology Packs, which add Adaptive Headlights, High Beam Assist, Reversing Camera, Wireless phone charging, enhanced Bluetooth, Navigation Plus and Head-up Display. Makes it an expensive car (although we got a good level of discount) but we reckon that next time around there won’t have any powerful, fun to drive, decent size SUV’s left on the scheme so we are getting one now whilst we still can!
I hope that your delivery date turns out to be true. We ordered at the end of March and I will be surprised if we get the car before September. Our dealer managed to nab a cancelled order slot so we had an end of June date which recently slipped to end of July. I can see it slipping further with the component shortage issue growing and wouldn’t be surprised if we get told at some stage that an option or two is no longer available due to semiconductor chip shortages.