• BMW has given the new X1 the X-family look. Picture: MARK SMYTH

  • The interior is similar to that of the 2 Series Active Tourer. Picture: QUICKPIC

  • The rear is a major improvement over the first generation. Picture: QUICKPIC

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THE first generation of the BMW X1 was a rather odd looking thing. We had one in our long-term fleet for six months and while it had many of the characteristics typical of a Beemer, it looked nothing like its fellow X-family members and lacked some of the interior benefits.

Despite this, it sold in huge numbers, with more than 730,000 units sold worldwide since its launch in 2009. Now the second generation has arrived and the company has worked hard to correct many of the anomalies of its predecessor.

The new model is a different looking animal to the first one, with looks that place it firmly in the X-family. It has the X-design in the front bumper, a higher bonnet and a squarer rear that echoes its 3 and 5 siblings.

However, it is not based on the same platform as its brothers. Instead it sits on the front-wheel drive architecture of the 2 Series Active Tourer and latest generation Mini. That does not make it a small package though, with the X1 being 53mm higher than the first generation and 23mm wider, but it is 15mm shorter, in part because it does not have that pronounced butt. The liposuction treatment at the rear has not compromised the boot space, with the additional height contributing to 85l more space than the previous model.

That front-wheel drive architecture does not translate into a front-wheel drive vehicle, at least not yet anyway. In 2016 the company will add the front-wheel drive sDrive models to the range, but for now there are only all-wheel drive xDrive derivatives.

The sDrive models will start at R435,000 for the 18i which utilises the superb 1.5l engine from the Mini Cooper and BMW 318i but until those models arrive, the xDrive versions start at R539,500 for the 20i with the 20d at R557,500 and the 25i at R602,500.

Of course, this is a Beemer, so you have to add in package prices such as X-Line, Sport Line or M-Sport unless you want the bare bones basic model. Then you have a multitude of other options to plough through, so the reality is that you can easily spec your X1 into X3 territory and beyond.

The interior reflects that of the Active Tourer in many aspects, including hard plastics across the dashboard and low-rent seat controls on lower models. You can have manual air-con and a small infotainment screen mounted atop the dash, but ideally you want the full climate control and the wider and higher resolution infotainment screen.

The comfort levels are good and the interior space is excellent, but how does it drive? The ground clearance has increased by a few millimetres and it has a clever intelligent all-wheel drive system which worked brilliantly as we tackled gravel mountain passes outside of George in the Western Cape, but the suspension is still an issue. It still lacks compliancy and we bumped over minor corrugations, particularly in models fitted with the 19-inch wheels. If you want your X1 to head out of the city then opt for the smaller size wheels — they make a big difference on dirt.

On the road, the X1 is every bit the Beemer. The engines are responsive and the gearbox is a perfect partner. Overall, the new X1 is a huge improvement over the first generation. It falls short of being a genuine X-vehicle in some areas but that will not matter to those who want a stylish BMW SUV to drive around town. In that role, it is superb.