WHEN the BMW X6 was unveiled, all of us motoring commentators thought it was nonsense - an ungainly looking car no-one could see a reason for.

Who would want a high riding 4x4 coupe?

But amazingly, BMW knew what they were about and we were the ones with egg on our faces - not for the first time.

The X6 has sold well around the world and now it has a smaller brother, the X4. Although it again looks rather ungainly, no doubt even at £45,000, it will sell well.

I got my hands on one for a few minutes recently and it drives beautifully, just like every other BMW.

The 30d has superb performance and excellent economy from its brilliant 3.0-litre, straight six diesel.

And, apart from a slightly uncomfortable sideways rocking motion on rough country lanes, it rides very well, with excellent handling and road holding helped by  tremendous grip and balance.

xDrive all wheel drive security for the winter means it will keep going when most can't and the standard automatic gearbox is brilliant.

Equipment is excellent in X-line spec, with everything most owners would wish for included, but then it should be at this price, shouldn't it.