BMW's compact Sports Activity Vehicle, the X1, has been a huge success since its launch in 2009.

More than 730,000 have been sold worldwide with nearly 40,000 buyers in the UK.

On sale now is the all-new X1 which features dynamic, sporty styling, new engines and gearboxes and a host of comfort, safety and infotainment kit.

It also comes with the latest, ultra-efficient version of the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system which means this new improved X1 is capable of tackling the rough stuff and going off-road if the need arises.

The new X1 comes with greater ground clearance than before meaning it can tackle off-road conditions which some owners may encounter.

The X1 was already a sporty looking motor and I think the latest changes to its styling give it an even more attractive appeal.

The front is defined by the large, upright BMW kidney grille, three-section lower air intake and characteristic "four-eyed" look formed by the twin circular head lights and fog lamps.

Standard specification for the new BMW X1 includes LED daytime driving lights and for xLine and M Sport models - which go on sale in November - full-LED headlights for low and high beam. This is optional for SE and Sport models.

On the inside of the all-new the flat surfaces of the instrument panel and centre console controls are angled towards the driver, while the controls located in the lower section are separated from the front passenger side by a newly designed bar.

The iDrive operating system's control display comes in the form of a 6.5-inch or, optionally, 8.8-inch freestanding monitor. Navigation is standard on the new X1, as it is on all BMWs from September onwards.

A new feature is the rear seat bench which comes as standard with a three-section split/folding backrest and is available as an option with the ability to slide forwards and backwards by 13cm allowing more storage space.

There's been an increase in the space offered for passengers plus a higher seating position (by 36mm in the front and 64mm in the rear) which I liked, especially when driving. It gives a more commanding view of the road ahead.

Knee room at the rear has also been improved and boot capacity is now bigger than the first-generation X1 at 505 litres and this can be increased further to as much as 1,550 litres by folding down the standard 40:20:40-split rear seat.

The new BMW X1 offers one petrol and three diesel units, each with 2.0-litre displacement and BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

The BMW X1 xDrive20i is powered by a 192bhp four-cylinder petrol engine which is now slouch. It sprints from 0 to 62mph in 7.4 seconds, with an average fuel consumption is 44.8mpg with CO2 emissions of 146g/km and a top speed of 139mph.

The most popular choice in the UK is probably going to be the new BMW X1 xDrive20d, which is fitted as standard with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission with a choice of manual gearchange from next month.

This version can power from 0 to 62mph in 7.6 seconds and BMW claims it can achieve 57.6mpg and 128g/km CO2 in auto guise. Top speed is claimed at 137mph.

On the move you can choose your preferred driving style using the Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console, which is standard equipment, allowing you to select either COMFORT, SPORT or ECO PRO modes at the touch of a button changes the settings of the accelerator pedal, gearbox, damper settings and steering.

I found this particularly useful on a mixed route when trying out the new BMW in Spain on twisty, hilly mountain roads, through towns and villages, and on the motorway.

Overall the driving experience was very satisfying with all versions of the new X1 offering exhilarating driving.

Any rough surfaces were easily ironed with the X1's excellent suspension settings and steering was positive, and despite its reasonably high riding position I found very little body roll when powering into hairpin bends. Road, wind and engine noise is well suppressed.

As you'd expect from BMW, the new X1 comes with a high level of standard kit including automatic tailgate, front fog lamps, remote-controlled central locking and keyless engine ignition, electric window controls, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, a leather steering wheel adjustable for height and reach, a rain sensor including automatic headlight control, extended storage and front and rear isofix attachments plus sat-nav and a comprehensive infotainment package.

Prices for the new X1 range from £26,780 for the sDrive18d and up to £36,060 for the XDrive25d. The petrol xDrive20i comes in at £31,225.

With the latest model I can only see BMW increasing it sales of the X1 range. It's not cheap, but then you are paying for a quality motor with practicality, latest technology plus excellent presence on the road.