THE new BMW X3 sounds like a superb re-drawing of what was already an excellent urban 4x4.

There is only one engine available to start with - a 184bhp version of BMW's excellent 2.0-litre turbo diesel.

This with SE spec and four wheel drive, will set you back £30,490 with manual transmission - £115 cheaper than the old model - and £30,605 for the automatic.

Now obviously, that's before you personalise your car with a few of the add-ons from the long extras list.

It is loaded with all the latest high-tech systems and yet is still cheaper than the car it replaces.

There is also more standard kit for your money, with leather upholstery, air conditioning, the i-Drive control system - which still has to win me over - and a colour display.

It is wider and longer than the old model and much better looking, with a good deal of the design notes from the new 7 and 5 series.

On the inside, build quality is up to what we have come to expect from BMW and the materials now feel premium class.