Although it was revised in the summer of 2012, the BMW X1 is still very much as it was when it emerged as the first in what might be termed the premium compact SUV class a little over three years ago. At that time, BMW spoke of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota RAV4 as rivals, but nowadays it seems more sensible to think of the more recently-launched Audi Q3 and Range Rover Evoque as the X1's main opposition.Both the newcomers are ahead in terms of practicality. The X1 may be the longest of the three, but its 420 litres (rear seats up) and 1350 litres (rear seats down) are beaten by the Q3's 460/1365 litres and resoundingly thumped by the Evoque's 575/1445.And, while space for passengers in the back half of the car isn't a strong selling point in any of the trio, the BMW is the only one in which I can't sit behind the driver's seat if it has been set up for my use.Of the various engine and transmission possibilities within the range, the car reviewed here has the 141bhp two-litre turbo diesel engine, six-speed manual transmission and, in case you might need to do a bit of off-roading, four-wheel drive.The engine, which we've experienced in several other BMWs, is excellent, producing neither less power than the car needs nor more than it can cope with. The gearchange, on the other hand, is rubbery and imprecise, and so is the steering, which loses further points for being remarkably heavy at low speeds.xLine is second from the top of the four available trim levels. It includes 18" alloy wheels and 45-section tyres, and while I can see why you might want those to jazz up the car's looks they have a dismal effect on the ride, which is alarmingly bumpy.Also standard are various things you would hope to be supplied in a £28,520 car, such as dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, leather upholstery and rear parking sensors. Front parking sensors, however, are an extra-cost option, and that also applies to cruise control, DAB digital radio, sports seats, seat heating, an auto-dimming interior mirror and, would you believe, a luggage compartment separating net, for which BMW feels itself able to charge you a further £105. Engine 1995cc, 4 cylinders Power 141bhp Transmission 6-speed manual Fuel/CO2 51.4mpg / 144g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.9 seconds Top speed 121mph Price £28,520 Details correct at publication date
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