The BMW X1 has all the hallmarks of a winner.
 
A sporty rear-wheel-drive chassis, it blends the looks of an off-roader with the driving dynamics of a hatchback.  And if you like the look of the 1-Series, the X1 is closely related to its cousin, quite unlike the  X3 and X5 models which bear little resemblance to their 3 and 5-Series stablemates.
 
However, with the German's trademark double-kidney grille, distinctive headlights and window line also ensure that there will be no mistaking the car's origins.
 
And with its easy-to-step-in- cabin, the BMW X1 is more like a car than either of its counterparts, as you feel a lot closer to the road, but the X1 provides the best driving position.
   
The cabin features similar styling and switchgear as other BMWs and plastics are used on lower parts of the dashboard, and the transmission tunnel.
 
On the road the X1 really impresses, thanks to its delicately balanced rear-wheel-drive chassis. Body roll is well contained and there's plenty of feedback from the thick-rimmed steering wheel.
 
The stiff chassis proves uncomfortable on anything but smooth roads, though, while the heavy controls become tiresome, especially around town.
 
In its category it's easy at the pumps, thanks to it?s gearing and is an economical choice.
 
Against the clock, the X1 accelerated from 0-60mph completing the trip in only 10.5 seconds and coupled with low CO2 emissions of 136g/km makes it by far the least polluting machine and more appealing to enthusiastic drivers and company buyers.