IT was just a matter of time before BMW broke new ground by adding a compact model to its successful X range.

A decade after the introduction of the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle - as the German marque pigeonholed their highly-successful four-wheel-drive machine - BMW launched the X1 to add to their then X3, X5 and X6 family.

And its arrival in 2009 came at a perfect time for BMW, for figures showed that owners of large SAVs, such as the X5, were starting to downsize in droves.

From peak sales of nearly 11,000 units in 2006, sales of X5 models in the UK then started to nosedive and even the smaller X3 was not immune, with the 2006 sales figure of 7,500 dwindling to around 2,000 units by the time the X1 hit the showrooms.

So there were a lot of hopes pinned on the new X1 as BMW sought to reclaim some lost ground.

The X1 was not just a condensed, watered-down version 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 to give buyers an opportunity to tailor a vehicle that was more specific to their individual requirements by offering the choice of two or four-wheel-drive, along with a large list of optional equipment.

At launch, BMW reserved their two-litre diesel engine in three different power guises for the X1. Topping the range was the 1,995cc four-cylinder xDrive23d, featuring its 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.

At the other end of the scale came the still-potent single turbocharged sDrive18d producing 143bhp at 4,000 revs giving a top speed of 124mph in its two-wheel-drive form. Combined fuel consumption was an impressive 54.3mpg while CO2 emissions came in at 136g/km.

But it was the mid-range 177bhp sDrive20d crossover model which became the biggest seller in the X1 range.

Making the most of both performance and economy figures, this two-wheel-drive vehicle could still complete the 0-62mph dash in 8.1 seconds while fuel consumption was 53.3mpg with CO2 emissions just 139g/km.

However, in its highly-advanced, four-wheel-drive system guise, the X1 allowed for safe, speedy and comfortable advancement and even rough and irregular surfaces found away from the main trunk roads could not slow its charge.

And as expected from a premium-quality manufacturer, the X1 screams quality inside and out.

Aimed at those who enjoy a sporty lifestyle, the chunky exterior design with its large bumpers, high stance, flared arches, sloping roof and angel eye highlights helped create a purposful silhouette, while the inside was yet another BMW work of art, with its beautifully-designed flowing dash wrapping itself around the driver and front passenger.

With the rear seats in place, the X1 provided 420 litres of luggage space. However, this increased to a useful 1,350-litres with the 40:20:40 split seats folded. Various other cubby holes and storage boxes throughout also added to the vehicle's practicality.

There is no question that BMW certainly got their timing spot on for the X1 and in the early days had the advantage of a clear run in what was to quickly blossom into another new niche marketplace.

While offered yet another choice to their already comprehensive range, BMW's marketing bosses made no secret they were gunning to convert owners of vehicles such as the high-specification Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4 to the Bavarian-based marque.

And it certainly worked. For last year it was the best-selling BMW X-model with more than 160,000 being sold worldwide, outselling the five-door 1-Series Hatchback into the bargain.

Expect to pay between £10,560 and £13,870 for a 2010, 59-plate four-wheel-drive xDrive20d version in SE trim and between £12,080 and £15,625 for a one-year newer model sporting a 60-plate.

Move on to 2011 and a 61-plate sees prices rise to between £12,765 and £16,440, still something of a snip considering its showroom price of £29,260 when new.