WITH treacherous conditions gripping the nation, BMW is urging drivers to think about investing in winter tyres.

And having just tested them 8,000 feet up on snowfields in the Austrian Alps in the German company's superb new X3 compact SUV I can definitely recommend them.

On ice or snow winter tyres shorten stopping distance by around 20 per cent and summer tyres wear up to 40 per cent faster during cold weather driving compared to winter rubber.

BMW says alternating summer and cold weather tyres in accordance to the seasons increases the life of a tyre and therefore, after the initial outlay, saves money in the long-run.

In extreme winter weather it t also helps if you have a vehicle such as the new X3 xDrive20d, which is bigger and more powerful than the previous model.

With more stylish, rounded contours the wider and longer- but lighter - X3 is a big improvement.

Surprisingly it is also £115 cheaper than the one it replaces yet is equipped with a higher level of standard specification including Nevada leather upholstery, two-zone air conditioning, iDrive controller and colour display.

Even with the extra gear the X3 is claimed to be the most efficient and frugal model in is class.

Just one engine is available at the moment, a refined two-litre turbo diesel which I found to be more than adequate to urge the SUV along any route. A more powerful unit is promised later next year.

The engine delivers 184bhp and gives a zero-62mph time of 8.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 130mph, yet CO2 emissions for this four-wheel-drive vehicle are only 149g/km, with average fuel consumption of 50.4mpg.

You can choose either the six-speed manual version or an eight-speed automatic.

Both have stop-start functions and the automatic stop start is claimed by BMW to be the first of its kind in its sector.

The first generation BMW X3 set new standards when it came to the driving dynamics of this type of vehicle, and the second generation builds on that with new suspension technology, electronically controlled driver assistance and advanced four-wheel-drive.

For a premium, drivers who want to personalise the feel of their BMW X3, variable damper control is available for the first time on this model. The electronically controlled dampers adapt to road surface conditions and the style of driving, while the driver is able to influence the action of the dampers by means of the Drive Dynamic Control system.

This function enables the driver to choose between Normal, Sport and Sport+ modes using a button on the centre console. As well as damping behaviour, it can adjust the character of the accelerator, engine response, power steering weight, DSC response thresholds.

All clever stuff, but it will add to the base price of the X3 which is £30,490 for the manual and £30,605 for the auto.

I found the handling of the new X3 to be excellent, with very little body roll, sharp on bends and with excellent braking. A minor complaint was a slight lack of feel through the steering.

As you would expect, the build quality of the new SUV is first class with quality materials and finishes to the interior among the best around.

BMW has managed to give additional head, leg and shoulder room in the new X3 and a maximum load capacity of 1,600 litres with rear seats down is top of the class.

BMW expects to sell around 4,500 X3s in its first year, 40 per cent of them to women, and with them in mind the new X3 door entry height has been lowered for easier access for kids on the school run.

The X3 is pitted against the likes of the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and Land Rover Freelander 2, which offer stiff opposition, but BMW says its improved SUV offers better equipment, cheaper running costs and will retain is value better than its competitors.