AFTER a successful foray into the SUV market it had to be just a matter of time before BMW added a compact model to its X range of all wheel drive models.

So in 2009, nearly a decade after the introduction of the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle as the German marque pigeonholed its practical four-wheel-drive machine, BMW introduced the X1 to join the established X3, X5 and X6 family.

Its arrival came at the perfect time for BMW, for owners of large SUVs were downsizing in droves, with even the X5 and smaller X3 not immune to falling sales.

So there was a lot of hopes pinning on the new X1 as BMW sought to reclaim a bit of lost ground.

The X1 was not just a condensed, watered-down version of any of its X range siblings, although it did take many of its styling cues, high driving position and practicality from its larger stablemates.

What it did do was give buyers an opportunity to tailor a vehicle more specific to their own individual requirements, by offering the choice of two or four-wheel-drive along with a large list of optional equipment.

BMW reserved a two-litre diesel engine with three different power outputs for the X1, but since then it now comes with the choice of petrol variants.

Topping the range was the 1,995cc four-cylinder xDrive23d, featuring an all-aluminium crankcase, twin turbochargers and common-rail direct injection fuel system.

Pumping out a whopping 204bhp at 4,400rpm with a peak torque output of 400Nm and a top speed of 127mph, it was the perfect choice for the more demanding of drivers.

I spent the best part of a week with a flagship four-wheel-drive SE model and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the experience.

Its highly-advanced four-wheel-drive system allowed for safe, speedy and comfortable advancement, and even the rough and irregular surfaces found away from the main trunk roads did not slow the X1's charge.

As you would expect from a premium-quality car manufacturer, the X1 screams quality inside and out.

Aimed at those who enjoy a sporty lifestyle, the chunky exterior design with its high stance, large bumpers, flared arches, sloping roof and aluminium highlights, help create a purposeful silhouette, while the inside proved yet another BMW work of art with a beautifully-designed dash which wraps itself around the driver and front passenger.

With the rear seats in place, the X1 has 420 litres of luggage space. However, this increases to a really useful 1,350-litres when the 40:20:40 split seats are folded down.

While offering yet another choice within the already comprehensive BMW range, company bosses made no secret they were gunning to convert owners of other premium SUV vehicles to the Bavarian-based brand. They've certainly succeeded on that count.

A manual 2010 X1 xDrive23d in SE trim on a 10-plate will cost anything between £12,155 and £15,725, while moving up a year to an 11-plate and you'll be talking in the region of £13,910 to £17,835.

Go for an automatic gearbox and prices will increase by anything up to £800.

However, an earlier but less powerful 18d in the same SE trim on an 09-plate should be available from around £10,010 to £13,200 if you really shop around.