IF there is such a thing as the small luxury SUV niche segment, then BMW has just put itself back to the top of it.

For what you might perceive as a small SUV, the X1 has plenty of space, with a large boot, good rear legroom and plenty of headspace.

It's a smart looking thing and there's quality inside and out, as you'd expect from BMW.

What's impressive is that BMW feel has filtered down from more expensive cars in the range - the infotainment system is a prime example; it's top notch, with digital radio, decent sat nav and ConnectedDrive, which, as the name suggests, gives you information about where you are and where you're going, as well as emergency assistance on tap.

There's plenty of other tech on offer to make life easier, too, including head-up display, power tailgate, a quality rear camera and all the safety tech, like front collision warning and corner braking assist.

It's hugely practical, despite being the 'baby' SUV of the range, with, as mentioned, a big boot, as well as options like a bike rack, tow bar and roof bars.

Power comes from 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, petrol and diesel lumps.

The petrol has 192hp for fizzy performance, with 62mph up in 7.4 seconds, with combined mpg at 44 and CO2 between 146-149g/km.

Diesels come in three flavours - 150, 190 and 231hp.

And it's hard to argue that the oil burners don't make the most sense here, with plenty of torque and lively performance, especially with sport mode engaged.

There are three drive modes in all, with sport noticeably livelier compared to comfort, while Eco Pro dials things down to encourage you to take it easy and achieve claimed figures as high as 68mpg and CO2 as low as 109g/km.

Interior quality is very good and, as mentioned, you feel like you're in a premium car, rather than an average car with a premium badge.

With prices from £26,000, this is an affordable way into BMW ownership, let alone an excellent small SUV for the money.

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Find out more at ridgeway.co.uk, visit the showroom at 361-371 Wallisdown Road, Bournemouth, BH12 5WB, or phone 0844 649 4333