THE X1 may be the smallest sport utility vehicle that BMW makes - but it is big on star quality. That is evident the moment you slide into the comfortable driver’s seat - part of a leather interior that oozes class. The push button ignition fires up a 2.0-litre diesel engine that provides all the power you’ll ever need, without being the least intrusive. Pull away and it is immediately apparent that the X1 is smoother than Roger Moore so that when a journey ends the temptation is to go round the block one more time. The cabin is top notch combining a spacious interior with instruments and controls that are stylish to look at and easy to use. The beautifully finished dashboard and a centre console are angled subtly towards the driver’s seat for a more cockpit-like feel. Compared to its X3 and X5 big brothers the driving position is lower - but it is still higher than a conventional car so visibility is good. Although it is obviously an SUV - with an exterior that boasts rugged front and rear bumpers and muscular lines - a long bonnet and hatchback-style tailgate give the X1 a unique car-like look that makes it stand out from the four-wheel drive crowd. The xDrive version offers the excellent grip associated with a 4x4 vehicle making the X1 extremely agile. The sharp handling and steering give the driver a good feel for what is happening on the road. Body roll is kept well under control so country lanes can be attacked with vigour. On longer journeys the X1’s large comfortable seats come into their own and the roomy cabin with excellent head and leg room carries four adults with ease - although the centre tunnel makes life a little awkward for a third adult in the back and the rear wheelarches are a bit intrusive on boot space. That said there is plenty of room for luggage and shopping and it’s easy to fold the rear seats flat to create more room when needed. The suspension is relatively firm - but not uncomfortably so with most bumps and hollows being absorbed without fuss. There’s also a two-wheel drive version of the X1 (sDrive) that sends the power to the rear wheels giving it some of the focused driving characteristics found in other models from the BMW range. Although the Germans accept that few owners will take the X1 off-road the xDrive nevertheless is capable in the mud - and even the sDrive models are able to handle some of the rough stuff. The high standards set are not allowed to slip when it comes to safety as every X1 sports a stability control system and six airbags. The SE trim level ensures plenty of kit for your money including17-inch alloy wheels, leather trimmed multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker radio/CD audio system and parking sensors. Optional extras include a panoramic glass sunroof, adaptive headlights and a reversing camera. The X1 is BMW’s attempt to produce a more environmentally friendly SUV and certainly it is ‘greener’ than its big brothers. The two-wheel drive versions in particular offer low carbon dioxide emissions and the latest BMW Efficient Dynamics technology is included on all models. BMW have pitched the X1 is to slot into the small SUV market above the VW Tiguan and Ford Kuga and it should certainly more than hold its own against the competition. FAST FACTS BMW X1 xDrive 23d SE 5dr Price: £29,900 Mechanical: 204bhp, 1,995cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox Max speed: 127mph 0-62mph: 7.3 seconds Combined mpg: 44.8 Insurance group: 26 CO2 emissions: 167g/km BiK rating: 24% Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles | 
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