SECTOR: Crossover   PRICE: €32,900–€42,760   FUEL: 4.1–6.6l/100km   CO2: 114–152g/km

BMW managed to beat its direct rivals to the crossover segment with the X1, and the outgoing car has performed well. Despite a lukewarm reception from the press, 730,000 have found homes globally since 2009 and it outsells the X3 in some markets.

Most wouldn’t have noticed, but the old X1 was a mechanical oddity. Though only slightly larger than a 1 Series, the platform, engines and wheelbase were taken from the last 3 Series, and it managed to offer neither the extra glazing nor interior versatility that usually comes from sizing up to a crossover.

The new car is entirely different. It uses platform from the 2 Series Active Tourer and Grand Tourer, which means two-wheel drive versions are front-wheel drive. This makes the X1 mechanically similar to newer rivals, the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the Range Rover Evoque.

Almost identical in footprint and wheelbase to the 2 Series Active Tourer, there’s some clever MPV functionality on board too. It’s smaller overall but the seating position is higher, it’s brighter inside than the old car and the Active Tourer’s two-piece sliding rear bench is an option.

Boot capacity is 505 litres – 85 more than the old car – the rear bench folds using switches inside the tailgate and there’s an under-floor compartment for the tonneau cover. With a dashboard laid out almost identically to the Active Tourer and an optional folding passenger seat, the X1 is a convincing alternative to an MPV.

Yet, visually, it’s more obviously an SUV this time. BMW is offering a choice of Sport or xLine trim levels over the entry-level version, the latter adding aluminium and black plastic cladding to give it a hint of off-road ruggedness. An M Sport trim will be available this autumn.

Engine options vary by market, but the range will include four two-wheel drive options by the end of the year – two of which use BMW’s new three-cylinder engines. Four-wheel drive is expected to account for the majority of sales in Europe, and buyers get a choice of the 192hp 20i and 231hp 25i petrol engines, and the 190hp 20d or 231hp 25d diesels.

As the four-wheel drive system spends most of its time directing 100% of the power to the front wheels, but is capable of shifting everything to the rear axle depending on available grip, real-world economy should be impressive.

However, there was only one diesel to test on the launch; xDrive25d, equipped with variable dampers and the xLine bodykit. With a platform derived from the latest MINI, BMW has a track record for fine-handling front-wheel drive cars and the X1 is no exception. It feels light and sure-footed while cornering, with plenty of grip and minimal body roll much like a smaller hatchback.

Of course, these are attributes which are also true of its nearest rivals, but no other premium SUV offers quite the same level of interior flexibility as the X1. Having had a generation to perfect its offering in this segment, BMW may have taken the lead again.

What we think:

The outgoing X1 sold well despite its flaws, which bodes well for its well-rounded replacement. Flexible, efficient, stylish and great to drive, it should prove popular.