We test drive new cars (and of course) we critique

Hyundai Tucson

Likes: Standard kit list across the range is pretty impressive. The 1.6 turbo offers quick acceleration while the 2-liter is the most sensible in price. Plenty of room for five with a decently sized boot.

Dislikes: The front seats can get uncomfortable after long journeys. The turbo engine only comes with a DCT gearbox which isn't very refined compared to it's keen rivals.

Overall: It may not be the best out there but it certainly does make a winning case for itself.



Toyota CH-R

Likes: Dare we say the most stylish Toyota we've seen in a while. Standard kit is pretty good for the price. Running costs are very competitive.

Dislikes: No all-wheel-drive option yet. The rear passenger windows are a joke. Blind spot galore. It really needs a panorama sunroof to brighten the interior up.

Overall: Toyota has made a very daring looking crossover that also has bullet proof reliability.



BMW X1

Likes: It's more comfortable and more refined than the previous generation. The new turbo engine offers plenty of flexibility and the boot space is larger than it's keen rivals.

Dislikes: We miss the turbocharged six-cylinder option. We wish BMW made an M-tuned version of this. Options send the price into X3 territory.

Overall: It's a BMW but doesn't really feel like one.



Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Likes: One of the more stylish crossovers in Mitsubishi range. Turbo engine spools nicely and has decent running costs. It's much more entertaining to drive than we'd originally thought.

Dislikes: It carries a name that many will loathe it for.

Overall: We'd love to see an Evo-tuned version pushing 230 - 300hp.



Subaru Crosstrek

Likes: It's off-road capability can rival Land Rover. It's much more stylish than the previous generation and also less awkward looking in portions.

Dislikes: Subaru has given up on turbo engines and it saddens us.

Overall: The JDM versions of this vehicle has power-folding mirrors and other features we can't have here.

Cheapest BMW, shortchanged on BMW experience?

The X1 was a bit of an oddball when it was first launched. It wasn’t that much cheaper than an X3 and the interior didn’t even live up to the standards that BMW had set. Fast forward to the newest generation of the X1 and you will either love it or loathe it. In simpler times it’s no longer rear wheel drive. Has BMW sold its soul?

The sole 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers plenty of flexibility thanks to high torque at low revs. You won’t feel short changed on power either, but those seeking more power will have to venture to the Mercedes GLA AMG. We feel that this engine is enough for this car. It doesn’t feel underpowered and it certainly is quick on its toes when you need it to be. We love how the combination of comfort and sport translates well around town and on the highway. You will love driving the X1 in tight corners and bends, as it handles them well. You’ll almost forget that the X1 uses a front wheel drive Mini Platform. The engine is also used in the JCW tuned Minis. Steering feedback is generally responsive and well sorted and the ride comfort on some surfaces is a little firm, this highly depends if you stick with the standard alloys and don’t option for the larger 19-inch alloys like our tester car has.

The front seats offer plenty of support and adjustment while there’s plenty of headroom and legroom. Those in the rear seat will also find that comfort and space is generous. The boot space is actually quite good considering that the X1 size. The infotainment screen is easy to navigate through, with all the controls and dials within reach of the driver’s hand. We love the minimalistic approach the interior but some could easily say that it’s a bit boring looking compared to rivals from Audi and Mercedes. We can say that it is easier to navigate through and the materials do feel just as classy.

Our tester car came kitted with electronic stability control, dual zone climate control, rain sensing windshield wipers and split folding rear seat. Optional extras included a business navigation system, cold weather package along with driving assistance package. We wish that our tester car came with the optional LED headlights because the standard halogen headlamps are weak in comparison and are not up to BMW Standards.

You won’t feel shortchanged with the X1 until you look at indirect rivals for similar money. Badge snobs won’t care because it’s a BMW and that’s all that matters.

Likes: It’s the cheapest of the BMW crossover range. The turbo engine is smooth and has low running costs. We love this one more than the previous generation X1.

Dislikes: Front-wheel-drive platform may scare off BMW Purists. We would love to see an M-tuned version.

What we'd like to see (part one)

Cadillac XT5

We like the Cadillac XT5 as it is comfortable to drive with a very luxurious interior. However, what we'd like to see Cadillac do is offer the twin-turbo 3.6 from the CTS and offer it as an optional engine on the XT5. While the standard 3.6 (non-turbo) engine is decent in flexibility and running costs, however you can option for a 2.7 twin-turbo six-cylinder in the Lincoln MKX.



Nissan Rogue Sport

The Rogue Sport is a solid option in the compact crossover segment. It's stylish, roomy and has very attractive running costs. However, the most expensive trims makes the Rogue Sport look overpriced compared to some keen rivals. What we'd like to see Nissan do with the Rogue Sport is take the 1.6 turbo from the Juke and place it in the most expensive trim level. The 2-liter four-cylinder is decent but it isn't very flexible where it matters the most.



BMW Xdrive40i or X1 M

The X1 is a great little crossover from BMW. It may not be as sharp to drive as the previous generation but it still is fun to drive and affordable (if you pick wisely from the options list). What we would like to see with the X1 is a more powerful engine option. BMW can easily take the 2-liter turbo from the 3-series and add it to the X1 or even increase the output of the current 2-liter turbo engine to at least 300hp as a competitor to the GLA 45 AMG.



Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

What would be really cool is if VW replaced the SEL trim 1.8 turbo with the 2-liter turbo engine from the GTI and made it a poor mans Audi. We know this will never happen, but it would be pretty cool to see some kind of GTI Wagon sold here in the US, plus VW has nothing to lose considering they need all the sales they can get and the Alltrack is selling pretty good. It would certainly shake things up in this segment considering that most options all have similar horsepower for similar money and VW would have again the best of the segment in terms of interior and even performance.