BMW X1 review

The X1 is roomy, nicely made (though it doesn’t feel as expensive as the Volvo XC40) and decently equipped. Base SE models get Bluetooth, DAB, cruise control, parking sensors and much besides. Sport is a £1,500 upgrade, but buys you little beyond sportier bodystyling. So if you can, best step up to either xLine (the luxe one) or M Sport (the ‘sporty’ one), £3k on top of an SE. Then you get LED headlights, heated seats and so-on.

Much tech comes optionally at not-too-indigestible prices. For example, the optional head-up display is a compact hinged item, but plenty good enough. Satnav is standard, a basic but highly useable system. Pay more and you get a bigger screen, and internet connection with superb traffic info.

The switch to a transverse engine means lots of extra rear legroom, enough for full-size adults. The boot is big too and has a useful double floor, and being a crossover the X1 is usefully high so you don’t have to bend down double to get things in and out. The separate sides of the rear seat optionally slide independently, so you shouldn’t want for versatility.