BMW X1

A small SUV based loosely on the 3-Series. But it's not an assault on the planet, thanks to BMW's efficient dynamics people who've kept C02 low and mpg high.

• Comfort

  Despite plenty of headroom, there's nowhere for lanky legs in the back. Fine for younger kids admittedly, but in a car with these proportions you'd expect to be able to get adults in there.

  

• Performance

  There are three two-litre diesels - two single turbo'd engines making either 143bhp (18d) or 177bhp (20d) and a twin-turbo version (23d). The latter has 204bhp and 295lb ft of torque that's delivered with typically Teutonic gusto through a seamless six-speed auto. Weighing 1,670kg it may feel a little leaden at manoeuvring speeds, but once you're out and about it's genuinely brisk. And although in-gear acceleration is a far better measure of useful day-to-day performance, the standard stats are none too shabby either: 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 127mph.

  

• Cool

  It’s very hard to label the X1 as anything, except ‘odd’.

  

• Quality

  It's a BMW so you get quality materials throughout the interior, all feeling hardy yet pleasant to touch. Like all modern Beemers, the dash is a tad boring but entirely functional.

  

• Handling

  Despite the increase in weight and height over a normal 1- or 3-Series, the expectation of dynamic competence that hangs over any BMW is essentially well met. The steering is a bit vague, but this favours cruising comfort over driving involvement and sensibly so. The X1 still feels superbly planted and relatively roll-free, but as ever the compromise is a ride that is too firm, transmitting more vibration through the cabin than you would expect from a car with such a high level of refinement.

  

• Practicality

  The boot is huge, with 420 litres expanding to over three times that with the rear seats folded flat. And the raised ride height makes this all very easy to access. It's worth pointing out that the rear visibility is lousy.

  

• Running costs

  No nasty surprises with a diesel-only range. All the engines return 45-50mpg, and thanks to low C02 emissions, company car tax bands are also good (the 18d and 20d are 21% and the 123d is 26%). The 18d and 20d also have a rear-wheel-drive version - sDrive - that raises economy to an impressive 54mpg.