BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto (2011)

A good deal better than the first line of X3s

I hired a first generation X3 some years ago during a trip abroad, and I was just a bit sort of underwhelmed by it. It was okay... but you don't drive a BMW for an okay drive. I think they had just tried to make an off roader, but had taken too much away from the on-road experience while also not really putting enough into the off-road experience. Anyway it seems they've had a thorough and successful rethink with this new X3. It's more lively to drive (although always in control), definitely stronger and more confident on rough terrain and snow, and just all round a better experience.

I think the most surprisingly pleasing thing about the X3 (for me at least) is the fuel usage. I have to remind myself all the time that it's only a 2 litre engine. For the power and speed you just can't fathom that really. And for that you get about 50mpg most of the time, which I find very impressive. That is beaten by some smaller cars, but they're smaller! The efficiency also has a lot to do with the diesel engine; there's no petrol option but these days it doesn't seem to matter much unless you're a real car fanatic/geek. It's quiet, performs well, and the savings on fuel more than make up for any minor shortfalls.

The 'sport' button on the BMW X3 is good fun. At a stroke it tightens everything up - steering, throttle, all just seem snapped into focus a bit more. Flip it on if you're feeling bored or need a bit more power, loads of fun. It's also pleasingly confident in dodgy conditions. I was visiting relatives in Scotland over the winter, and it was a bit treacherous at times but the X3 just sailed through it all, no problem.

Inside the car it's very nice. Plush, BMW-like! Leather and that sort of thing everywhere. Very comfy too. Some annoying things about the interior. Here's one thing that's starting to get on my nerves: the satnav display panel is recessed into the dash at an angle, so it makes a little natural space to chuck things like receipts and gloves, but... that gets in the way of the satnav display obviously. Argh! Meanwhile the dash itself is a curve that peaks in the middle, so things often slip off towards the passenger side. That's very annoying at times. There are a couple of cup holder in front of the gearstick, but again it feels like there's a lot of wasted space in that area. And the glove box is oddly far down underneath. All in all the cabin can feel at once spacious but also strangely lacking in space.

Mind you the view is very good from the BMW X3. It's a little taller than most cars so you get a nice clear view ahead of traffic most of the time. Other nice things include some bits and pieces you'd expect, little touches like rear seat air vents. The back generally looks nice although I haven't spent much time there understandably. It looks like the leg room might be a bit cramped for some, but, ahem, that wouldn't be a problem for me.

Storage space is superb. The boot is very big, I've got four large suitcases in there before, as well as golf clubs and a small bike. And the rear seats quickly and easily fold down flat to make a continuous space with the boot. That's extremely handy for transforming it into a mini van if you're moving stuff around, and then switching it back into a smart people moving machine.