IT'S the SUV that dares to be different.

BMW's X2 defies convention by opting for a low seating position and eye-catching styling that sets it apart from high-riding rivals.

Combined with a sumptuous interior and excellent driving characteristics the coupe-inspired motor is happy to defy the norm for this sector of the market.

The exterior boasts a neat rear end with natty bumpers married to more muscular SUV cladding.

But before we slip into the SUV equivalent of cliche there are short sporty overhangs as well as streamlined LED lights.

The X2 also appears to hunker down, thanks in part to the famous BMW kidney grilles at the front of the car being wider at the base than the top to give the impression it is hunting the road. And indeed, when set next to the wife's family hatchback it is only slightly taller.

The tasty recipe mixing off-roader and coupe continues with a flowing roofline, a rising window line - incorporating BMW's signature Hofmeister kink - and pronounced side skirts leading to twin exhausts and a natty rear spoiler.

Anyone familiar with the X1 will instantly recognise the interior of the X2 thanks to the digital instrument panel, well laid out centre panel plus top quality fixtures and fittings.

The touch-sensitive infotainment system boasts all the usual suspects including sat nav, live traffic reports and smartphone connection. Rather than touching the screen though I found it easier to use BMW's rotary iDrive dial next to the driver to access the system.

What the driving position lacks in height it more than makes up for in comfort thanks to a fully adjustable seat boasting firm side bolstering which holds you nicely in place when taking corners.

For those in the back there's plenty of room for two adults with an arm rest, air con vents and a 12V outlet adding to the cabin's lustre. The boot is reasonably roomy offering 470-litres with the option of increasing load capacity to 1,355 litres by dropping flat the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.

There are plenty of storage options for a family's nik-naks including a central cubby, a glove box, decent-sized door bins, cup holders and a glovebox.

There are four trim levels to choose from - SE, Sport, M Sport and M Sport X.

The X2 M Sport in all-wheel-drive xDrive set-up powered by a 2.0-litre diesel is priced just north of £37,000, but it's worth spending a bit extra to get the high-end Harman Kardon sound system, the head-up display and a sumptuous leather interior.

The oil burner provides both punch - 62mph is achieved from a standing start in 7.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 137mph - and frugality as average fuel consumption is in excess of 50mpg. It is linked to a top-notch automatic gearbox that can also be changed manually using paddles behind the steering wheel.

It is exciting to drive with nicely weighted steering, plenty of grip from the xDrive system and a smooth ride.

As well as being adept at taking on country lanes it also offers the necessary comfort for long motorway journeys. There are different drive modes called Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport that pretty much do what they say on the tin.