BMW's latest SUV the X2 is in some ways hard to pigeonhole.

It sits in BMW's SUV line-up between the X1 and X3, yet it is marginally shorter than the X1 and sits way lower.

The X1 and the X2 share a platform but the X2 is a very different beast altogether.

BMW's aim has been to create a small SUV/crossover which genuinely offers a more dynamic driving experience in a sports-styled package.

The low ride height is the clearest indication of this, as are the design lines.

The X2 could be said to inhabit the same territory as the X4 and X6 models, the German car maker's distinctive SUVs with their almost beach buggy-esque coupe styling.

Interestingly BMW have not gone for that styling theme with the X2, perhaps as it would have compromised practicality too much.

So, the X2 looks very like a regular SUV/crossover but it manages to achieve a sleek and svelte look too.

It's a hard trick to pull off but it does it rather well.

The end result is a vehicle that looks far more like a beefed-up sporty hatchback, rather than a scaled-down SUV.

As such it is likely to win plenty of fans, though it will also be interesting to see just how many people will be put off by the fact that it sits so low.

Let's face it, one of the big attractions of crossovers and SUVs in their many shapes and forms is the elevated ride height.

However, to my mind one of the great strengths of the X2 is the driving experience it delivers.

I often think the SUV acronym (sports utility vehicle) is a little bit misleading, since most of them aren't sporty in the slightest.

But here is one where you feel more like you're in a 3 or 4 series saloon or coupe than a crossover and personally I would swap that for a commanding driving position any day.

You still get the benefits of practicality and the X2 has a surprisingly open cabin and a decent amount of boot space too (470 litres).

The interior environment is suitably plush and snazzy, though this higher end M Sport model obviously comes with lots of extra bells and whistles.

BMW's i-Drive is about a good a control system as one could wish for.

Dogged by complexity when it first came out it has improved and evolved immensely.

The rotary dial and the switches/shortcut buttons around it are super intuitive and you'll get to grips with everything in no time at all.

Infotainment-wise all X2 models come with a DAB radio, a CD player, a USB socket, Bluetooth and satellite navigation with traffic information.

Build quality feels immensely solid and as far as switchgear and instrumentation go BMW seem to have gone the extra mile to ensure the X2 is a little bit special and different.

There are four trim levels to choose from - SE, Sport, M Sport and M Sport X.

Engine-wise the range is evolving but there's currently a 2.0-litre petrol unit and a 2.0-litre diesel that comes in differing power variants (148bhp and 188bhp).

The X2 is available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive form (xDrive).

Prices start at just over £30,000 for a front-wheel drive sDrive 18d SE model.

This car had the 190bhp 2.0-litre diesel with the xDrive.

Mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox it proved a smooth and capable performer which powers the X2 along enthusiastically whatever the road setting.

It will reach 62mph from a standing start in 7.7 seconds and could take you on to a top speed of 137mph.

There are Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport driving modes depending on what you're in the mood for, or what kind of journey you're on.

As I said previously, the best thing about the X2 is the engaging drive it offers.

It's fun and engaging, with well-weighted and responsive steering and the all-wheel drive offers a huge boost to the X2's road-holding capabilities.

BMW has always been renowned for producing great drivers' cars and the X2 is no exception.