BRIDGING the gap between the X1 and X3, the X2 is BMW’s sporty but family-oriented entry into the compact SUV sector.

Yes, it will handle most of your luggage/passenger/shopping needs, but the X2 never lets you forget that it has a sporty side too.

The car’s chassis and xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system deliver the right balance between sporting dynamics and efficiency.

And in M Sport guise you have a coupe-styled low-slung SUV with serious performance credentials matched to the core X model requirements.

Measuring two centimetres shorter and more than seven centimetres lower than the BMW X1, it has the same wheelbase.

But the stretched, coupé-style roofline, broader appearance and slim window graphic mark it out from its little brother.

The clever bit is that the emphasis on styling has not come at the expense of interior space, which is quite generous.

The tested M Sport version comes with an engine that needs little by way of introduction. The 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel unit is a mainstay of the BMW range, pumping out 190bhp in this guise and doing so with very little engine noise and plenty of power when the need arises.

It is also extremely efficient, matched with eight-speed automatic transmission to give a fuel economy figure close to 60mpg.

Full-LED headlights come as standard on Sport, M Sport and M Sport X models, while the M Sport and M Sport X models are available with wheels in sizes up to 20-inch. As standard, both models are fitted with 19-inch wheels.

The side skirts of the BMW X2 are among its signature features and contribute to its rugged good looks. At the rear, a spoiler provides a flourish to round off the roofline.

On the SE and Sport models, the rear bumper comes in the vehicle colour and matt black. The M Sport models feature a diffuser-look cladding inlay in dark metallic appearance.

The car hints at the power of its BMW TwinPower turbo engines through the design of the tailpipes. All X2 models come with a twin exhaust arrangement.

You will never feel short-changed regardless of specification. The instrument panel has contrast stitching as standard, while the centre console features materials including Sensatec also with contrast stitching.

The interior of the M Sport model comes with a anthracite/alcantara combination, with the M Sport X adding leather upholstery as standard.

The boot has a capacity of 470 litres, meaning it can handle anything from from shopping sprees to a mountain-bike tour.

The cabin is driver-focused, with the design of features such as the instrument panel binnacle directed at the road ahead. All controls are positioned to allow the driver to assimilate their information with a single glance..

All functional controls in the centre console are set in high-gloss black as standard, giving the M Sport interior a touch of elegance.

An optional lighting package allows drivers to set a stylish lighting mood for the interior, while the LED lighting in the trim surfaces of the instrument panel and door panels forms a continuous band that extends all the way around the cabin to the rear. One of the most distinctive options on the list is the panoramic roof, which adds to the sense of spaciousness inside the BMW X2. The front section of the panoramic roof tilts and slides open, just like a conventional sunroof.

The common denominator of all X2 models is a chassis that transfers the core responsiveness of the BMW engines to the road. The car’s driving responses can be adapted, allowing the driver to choose between default comfort mode, eco pro mode and sport mode.

The M Sport suspension is a particularly good match and includes tauter spring and damper tuning and suspension which is 10mm lower than the standard fit.

The 20d diesel model comes equipped with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive as standard. The integral Hill Descent Control feature enables the BMW X2 to automatically maintain a desired speed on steep descents by taking care of brake control for the driver, who can then devote their attention to the task of steering.

Standard specification for every X2 includes a 6.5-inch touch control display with navigation system. There’s also the option of a full-colour head-up display, which projects driving information and navigation/assistance system readouts on to the windscreen.

Not only does the X2 offer drivers a wide selection of driver assistance systems, it also comes with highly advanced technologies.

These include lane departure warning, speed limit warning, anti-dazzle high beam assistant, collision and pedestrian warning with city braking function and active cruise control.

Standard rear park distance control and a rear-view camera make parking that much easier, while the optional park assist feature helps drivers manoeuvre into parallel parking spaces.

Prices start at £33,980 for a X2 xDrive20d SE.

AT A GLANCE

BMW X2 xDrive20d M Sport

Price: from £36,590

Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel producing 190hp

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic driving all wheels

Performance: 0 to 62mph in 7.7 seconds; top speed 137mph

Economy: 58.9mpg combined

CO2 emissions: 126g/km

RATINGS

Performance: *****

Economy: *****

Ride/Handling: ****

Space/Practicality: ****

Equipment: ****

Security/Safety: ****

Value For Money: ****

OVERALL: ****