2013 BMW X1

As its name suggests, the BMW X1 is the smallest model in the firm's broad SUV line-up. The first one arrived in 2009 and was a car that never quite hit the spot. The SUV stance wasn't assertive enough, the interior was cheap and, while fun, basing it on a rear-wheel drive platform seriously impacted practicality. The second-generation car we're looking at here was a huge improvement. Introduced in 2015, it was now derived from a much more modern and space-efficient platform, shared with models such as the BMW 1 Series and MINI Countryman. Most versions were front-wheel drive, while pricier ones offered four-wheel drive. Crucially, the BMW X1 now looked the part. It was far more SUV-like, with a confident stance and rich detailing that masterfully aped the much larger and pricier BMW X5. The interior was a world apart too, with a welcoming feel and a big lift in quality. Tantalisingly, thanks to depreciation, you can now get into a used example from £10,000. Here's what to look out for.If you're buying an SUV, you probably want some practicality. If we're talking space for people, the GLC 63 isn't bad at all, with plenty of head and legroom front and rear. Four tall adults will be comfortable, although the middle passenger in the rear does have a large hump in the floor to deal with. Despite having a much smaller battery than the GLC 300e and 300de plug-in hybrids, the GLC 63 has the same 470-litre boot. It's down on the 550-litres of the BMW X3 M, while the Jaguar F-Pace SVR has a whopping 650-litres. At first look and touch things feel premium enough, but there are a few cheap-feeling plastics lower down and flimsy interior door pulls. There aren't many physical controls with most functions accessed through the 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system.It's responsive, with sharp graphics and heating controls permanently at the bottom of the screen. Even so, a few more buttons and dials for key features would be welcome. Voice control is standard and activated by saying 'hey Mercedes'. It works well, but any mention of Mercedes is frequently enough to trigger it. To add to the tech fest, you get augmented reality sat nav. This projects arrows on to a camera feed from the front of the car to guide you to your exit. It's a good idea in theory, but you end up having to keep an eye on the central touchscreen as you're negotiating an unfamiliar road. Furthermore, it completely removes the map so you can't see the last command, either. It'd be much handier to stick this display in the 12.3-inch driver's display. The screen's resolution and crispness of the graphics match the touchscreen, and it's able to show a wide variety of information clearly. You can pick from a number of themes, although adjusting anything is done by a fiddly touchpad on the left-hand steering wheel spoke. The rest of the wheel's controls are also touch-sensitive, so you can occasionally trigger functions accidentally. All vehicles are subject to a £200 non refundable deposit. Check our website for more stock. Friendly and approachable sales team, check out our reviews.

Features:

12V Power Socket - Front x2, 17in Alloy Wheels - Light Star Spoke - 317, 40-20-40 Split Folding Rear Seats, ABS - Anti Lock Braking System, Additional Detachable Cupholder, Air Conditioning - Automatic with Two-Zone Control, Air Microfilter, Airbags - Driver, Airbags - First and Second Seat Row ITS Head, Airbags - Front Side, Airbags - Passenger, Airbags - Passenger Deactivation, Alarm System Thatcham 1 with Remote Control, Anti Roll Bars - Front and Rear, Armrest - Front with Sliding Adjustment, ASC - Automatic Stability Control, Auxiliary Input, Battery in Luggage Compartment, Bluetooth Hands Free with USB Audio Interface, BMW Mobility System, BMW Professional Radio - Single CD and MP3, Boot Space Illumination, Brake Force Display, CBC - Cornering Brake Control, Central Locking - Remote, Central Locking Switch, Child Proof Locking System - Rear Doors, Child Seat ISOFIX Attachment - Rear, Courtesy Lights - Front and Rear with Soft On-Off Dimming, Crash Sensor - Activating Central Locking-Hazard Warning Lights-Fuel Cut Off, Cruise Control with Brake Function, DAB Digital Radio, DBC - Dynamic Brake Control, Deformation Zones - Front and Rear, Display - 8.8in Colour Screen, Door Handles - Body Colour, Door Mirrors - Drivers Aspheric, Door Mirrors - Electric and Heated, Door Sill Finishers - BMW Designation, Driver Comfort Package, DSC - Dynamic Stability Control - Stabilises the Vehicle in Extreme Situations - Controls Traction, DTC - Dynamic Traction Control, EBD - Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, ECO PRO Mode, Electra Cloth - Anthracite, Electric Windows - Front and Rear with Open-Close Fingertip Control, Engine Immobiliser, Enhanced Bluetooth Telephone Preparation with USB Audio Interface, Exhaust Tailpipe - Single Left - with Matt Chrome Finisher, Extended Lighting, First Aid Kit, Floor Mats - Velour, Front Fog Lights, Glove Compartment - Illuminated, Grab Handles - 4x Coat Hooks in Rear, Halogen Headlights, Handbrake Lever - Gear Lever Knob and Gaiters in Leather, HDC - Hill Descent Control, Head Restraints - Front and Rear, Headlights - Automatic Activation, Headlights - Height Adjustment, Heated Windscreen Washer Jets, High Level LED Third Brake Light, Incorrect Fuelling Protection System, Indicator Lenses - Clear, Interior Trim - Satin Silver, Kidney Grille - Chrome with Black Vertical Slats, Lightweight Engineering, Locking Wheel Bolts, Luggage Compartment - Illuminated with Four Lashing Eyes in Boot Floor, Luggage Compartment - Removable Cover, Mineral Grey, Multifunction Controls for Steering Wheel, OBC - On-Board Computer, Passive Protection for Pedestrians, PDC - Park Distance Control - Front and Rear, PDC - Park Distance Control - Rear, Rain Sensor with Automatic Headlight Activation, Rear-view Mirror with Manual Dim Switch, Roof Rails - Black, Seats - Manual Adjustment for Height - Fore and Aft Position - Recline Angle, Servotronic Steering, Side Impact Protection, Speaker System with 4x25 Watt, Sport Multi-Function Leather Steering Wheel - Three Spoke, Start-Stop Button with Keyless Operation, Steering Column with Manual Reach and Rake Adjustment, Steering Wheel - Leather Multifunction, Storage Compartment - Centre Console-Dashboard and Front Interior Door Panels, Sun Visors with Vanity Mirrors and Ticket Holder, TPWS - Tyre Pressure Warning System, Tyres - Reduced Rolling Resistance, Windows - Heat Insulated Tinted All Round