• Loads of room for passengers
• Big boot…
• …Which loses a bit of space in PHEV versions

How much space is there?

Up front there’s loads of room. Even tall people will find enough adjustment in the seat to get their desired driving position. Head and legroom are especially impressive, while the seats up front are supremely supportive and offer excellent long-distance comfort.

It’s the same story in the rear. Unlike with other cars in this class, such as the Audi Q3, three adults can sit comfortably in the back seats. Great deal of headroom back there too, plus the rear windows are tall and let lots of light in.

Boot space and storage

The X1’s bootspace is pretty impressive. It measures in at 540 litres, 100-ish litres more than the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40, and on par with the Audi Q3.

Sliding rear seats come as standard on xLine and M Sport models. This enables you to prioritise rear passenger legroom or space in the boot. Plug-in hybrid versions have a smaller boot due to the associated electrical systems being stored beneath the floor.

Is it easy to park?

All models come with a reversing camera and BMW’s parking assistant, which is capable of parking the car for you in the right circumstances. It works well but is a bit slower than doing it yourself, even if you are unsure at manoeuvring in tight spaces.

The A-pillars (the ones either side of the windshield) are quite thick, making front parking, and entering angled junctions or rounabouts, a bit trickier than it needs to be.

Safety

• Five star safety rating
• Loads of tech on offer
• No front Isofix

Euro NCAP, the European safety testing authority, has awarded the BMW X1 a full five out of five stars, an excellent performance reflecting its state-of-the-art equipment list and suite of driver aids.

It scored highly in the Safety Assist category, no doubt because of its impressive selection of standard safety kit, including AEB, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. It does without a front Isofix point, but does have anchor points on the two outer rear seats.

Watch: BMW X1 Euro NCAP crash test video