BMW X101 October 2009

BMW has recognised the unpopularity of SUVs in the current climate of environmental awareness and has followed the trend for downsizing by adding a smaller model to its X range, the X1.

From most angles, the X1 looks like any other X model, with its rugged front and rear bumpers, muscular exterior and bulging side skirts. But there are also distinctly car-like features: for example, the elongated bonnet and hatchback-style tailgate are closer to that of a 1-Series than an X3.

Inside, the car-like theme continues with a beautifully finished dashboard and a centre console that has been angled subtly towards the driver's seat for a more cockpit-like feel. The driving position itself, although 8cm lower than the X3, is still higher than a conventional car, giving the X1 driver a more elevated viewpoint.

On the road, the X1 benefits from having characteristics from both cars and SUVs. BMW has kept body roll sufficiently in check to allow it to be capable of a lively back-road sprint and, when equipped with four-wheel drive, there's a good deal of grip too. The ride feels sophisticated and it proves itself to be very comfortable when called upon to travel long distances.

The X1 is the first X model to be available in both two-wheel drive (sDrive) and 4WD (xDrive). In 2WD guise, power is sent to the rear wheels, so there's even an element of the focused, rear-wheel-drive nature you expect from other models in the BMW range.

Leave the tarmac though, (which BMW admits few owners are likely to do) and the X1 turns into very capable off-roader. It even holds its own over rugged terrain in 2WD form.

The diesel-only line-up of three engines comprises 18d, 20d and 23d units generating 143, 170 and 200bhp, respectively. The pick of the bunch is the excellent 20d, which, while punchy, also serves up impressive CO2 emissions and fuel economy - especially in rear-wheel-drive form.

So the X1 is yet another accomplished SUV from BMW that will slot into the small SUV market above the VW Tiguan and Ford Kuga. Where its arrival will leave the less well-received X3 is anyone's guess.