BMW X1 (09 on) - Review

BMW's fourth X model - the X1 - is also the smallest, yet retains much of the practicality and spaciousness of its larger counterparts. It's slightly shorter than a 3-Series which makes it easy to manoeuvre and park, especially in town, and yet still has impressive space for passengers in the back as well as a large and useful boot. It's available with either two-wheel drive (badged sDrive) or four-wheel drive (xDrive) while all the engines are impressively efficient and economical diesels, giving the X1 low running costs. There are criticisms, including some unusually below-par plastics in the cabin and a rather notchy gearshift on manual models, but decent levels of standard equipment, the usual BMW build quality and superb refinement make the X1 a sound choice.