BMW X1 scooped

You've seen the concept car... now feast your eyes on the best spy shots yet of the production ready machine!

Described as an SAV, BMW's new X1 hits showrooms in Autumn, and is actually based on the same chassis that underpins the BMW 3-Series.

Despite being the smallest 4x4 in BMW’s stable, the five-seat model isn’t much smaller than the X3 – and is  108mm shorter than the X3.

Like that model, all X1s will come with BMW's xDrive four-wheel drive system, and petrol power will start with a 170bhp 2.0-litre unit called the xDrive20i.

Flagship cars top out with a six-cylinder xDrive30i developing 272bhp.

The diminutive 4x4 crossover will also get diesel power, most likely starting with the 2.0-litre, 143bhp engine found in the 118d and including BMW’s planet-saving efficient dynamics programme. xDrive20d and xDrive 23d variants will also appear.

Prices will start at around £20,000 for the 2.0-litre version, rising up to £30,000 for a range-topping xDrive30i. A hot X1 tii is rumoured to be in the pipeline, too.