THE X certainly marks the spot for BMW with sales of four-wheel drive series in all its forms going from strength to strength.

That is just as well for the X1 because it faces fierce competition in the luxury crossover market from the likes of the Audi Q3 and the Range Rover Evoque, but it is competitively priced.

Not only that, the tested eco model emits just 119k/km of carbon dioxide, pleasing the environmentally conscious, but even more so the company car user who will pay just 13 per cent benefit in kind taxation, while performance is barely compromised by the fuel-saving technology.

There is no mistaking it is a 1 series car, looking a bulkier, more beefed up version of the entry model in the BMW range with even bigger rear end and long bonnet.

Like most crossover or ‘soft roaders' the on demand four wheel drive will rarely be used, but it certainly became useful when the car inadvertently got stuck on a muddy track.

The car looks the part outside and it does on the inside as well, if some of the trim is not quite up to the standard of some of its siblings.

However, it is a Beemer and that also spell quality and fit and finish is excellent. Crossovers need to be practical and the interior is spacious with an  elevated seating position and, generous storage options.

The rear-seat backrest is adjustable for angle and folds down in a 40/20/20 split. Boot space is decent, if not class leading with 420 litres with the seats in place and 1,350 litres when the seats are folded.

There are three diesel engines available, but the two litre powering the test vehicle will take some beating. Mated with BMW's intelligent all-wheel-drive technology, and their fuel saving  EfficientDynamics technology features including brake regeneration, stopstart, and a gearshift point indicator, it provides and impressive package.

The turbocharged 1,995cc 177bhp unit delivers rapid accleration, the 0-60mph sprint taking just just 8.5seconds while sipping the fuel.

The claimed 68.3mpg was nowhere near on on a protracted journey of more than 600 miles where the engine seemed silkier and smoother the harder it was pushed. But it still managed a more than impressive 57-ish mpg.

It just gobbled up the miles with ease, sitting comfortably at high motorway speeds, but coping just as comfortably with rush hour traffic, where the stop-start kicks in to save fuel.

Excellent handling is virtually a given with BMW and the X1 performs admirably, feeling extremely agile and dynamic for the type of car, gripping well on bends and corners, where stability and traction control give extra peace of mind for the driver.

The steering is also weighted well and responsive, enhancing the driving experience while the list of standard kit is what you would expect from a car of this type.

Safety standards are high including three-point inertia-reel seat belts all round, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, adaptive brake lights and daytime driving lights.

The also features BMW iDrive which controls the main functions of the car, including  superb sound system that was tested to the full.

Like all BMWs the options list is almost endless and expensive and the most sophisticated HiFi systems are available as an alternative to the audio system fitted as standard and the standard AUX-In port may be supplemented by a USB interface.

It all makes for a high-quality, desirable vehicle that is capable offroad and looks good on the school run or the company car park.