79 BMW X1: lithe, perky and really quite lovely

In terms of cars that have improved so dramatically on their forebears that you feel a change of name is warranted, the new BMW X1 sits very much at the top of that list. The old X1 was a total dog's breakfast of a car – a mish-mash of 1 and 3 Series parts cobbled together by committee into an unappealing shape with steering so heavy you could use it to anchor an aircraft carrier.

By delightful contrast, the X1 (which, thanks to sharing its UKL1 platform with the 2 Series Active Tourer and the upcoming Mini Countryman) is lithe, perky and really quite lovely.

It’s primarily front-wheel drive, but obviously the optional xDrive four-wheel drive system disguises that rather handily. The styling is far more handsome than before, the interior (especially following a careful peruse of the options list) is bright, airy, welcoming and roomy and the handling is such a change from the clod-footed old X1 that it’s scarcely believable. All in all, a car good enough to undermine the case for buying its bigger brother, the X3.

Price range: €39,060 to €54,300

CO2 emissions: 109 to 146g/km

Which one? xDrive18d SE 4WD

PCP from €POA