3 compact SUVs tried out for size

The original BMW X1 was a car ahead of its time. It was one of the first premium small SUVs, a model with a posh badge, rugged looks and a raised seating position. But sadly, it wasn’t a great all-rounder. The interior was cramped and cheaply finished, and it just didn’t quite convince in the way you’d expect a posh BMW SUV ought to.

With the latest X1, BMW is aiming to finally crack this sector. This is no mean feat, because of two talented rivals: the Audi Q3 and Range Rover Evoque. Both sell strongly and are very well-liked by car buyers, particularly the Evoque. Is the new X1 up to it?

All have 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines producing around 180-190bhp. The Audi and BMW are lighter, though, so prove faster against the clock. We preferred the BMW’s smoother, faster-acting automatic gearbox though; in contrast, the Range Rover was smooth but sometimes slow to wake up.

It’s a similar story for handling, where the sportier Audi and BMW out-handle the Evoque. They’re more car-like than the SUV-feel Range Rover, which makes it surprising to discover the Evoque also has the least comfortable ride. It never fully settles and jostles occupants too much. It’s the Q3 that a clear advantage here for ride comfort.

BMW has transformed the interior of the X1, which is full of classic materials and solid quality. Only a bit too much road noise on the move spoils the luxury ambience. The Q3 is more dated but just as premium-like; the Evoque isn’t as good quality, but is more stylish and interesting to sit within.

We also found the X1 had the most practical interior. There’s lots of space for families and you can option up sliding rear seats to further enhance rear space. The boot is big and practical and the seats are super-easy to fold. In contrast, the other two are neither as flexible nor as family-friendly.

Equipment levels on all three are generous, with 18in alloys, climate control and rear parking sensors. The Q3 only has part-leather seats though, and the Evoque lacks a powered tailgate and full LED headlights – but does add in electric front seats, cruise control and front parking sensors to compensate.

As for costs, don’t take things on face value. The X1 has the lowest list price, for example, but the Q3 is cheapest once you take discounts into account. And while the Range Rover is expensive to buy, its excellent retained values will pay you back in the long term. So much so, the Evoque will actually cost less than the X1 after three years and 36,000 miles.

For private buyers, the Q3 holds the advantage, despite True MPG figures a little behind the X1. For company buyers, though, it’s the most expensive; here, the BMW holds a clear advantage. Pity about the X1’s expensive leasing costs. As we say, do the sums carefully, because there are clear differences with these three machines depending on your circumstances.

To the final reckoning, then. Which wins? Not the Range Rover. It remains as seductive as ever, with its stylish looks and classy feel. It’s just not as good to drive as its rivals, though. The Audi may well be getting on but remains competitive, and is only really let down by its lack of practicality and some surprising costs for company drivers.

So the X1 takes victory. The X1 has finally delivered, with superb practicality, good road manners and a nice interior. It’s not perfect, with the road noise of our test car proving particularly irritating, and it does cost more than its predecessor. But it’s clearly worth it: expect this smart BMW small SUV to prove rather popular.

BMW X1 xDrive20d xLine auto (4 stars)

Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price £34,800
Target price £32,419
Power 188bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-60mph 8.0sec
Top speed 136mph
Fuel economy 42.7mpg
CO2 emissions 128g/km