BMW X3 xDrive 2.0d SE 4x4's...

Designing a compact 4x4 car that's good on the road, comfortable and yet also possesses some off road ability is no easy feat. But BMW has come close with the X3 - the smaller brother to the muscular X5. It uses BMWs xDrive four wheel drive system which ensures excellent traction both off-road and on it, while decent body control and good steering feel mean the X3 corners very well for an off roader. However the downside of the stiff suspension is that the BMW rides firmly and isn't particularly settled over rough roads. It carries a high list price too, especially when compared to equally capable off roaders. On the plus side it's very practical with a large boot and spacious cabin.

The diesels make the most sense in the X3 however and one of the best choices for economy is the 2.0d with 150bhp which is capable of 44mpg. In April 2009 an xDrive18d model was introduced which uses the same engine but with less power (143bhp), helping boost economy to 46mpg.

Performance is still respectable with a 0-62mph time of 10.3 seconds - around one and a half seconds slower than the 2.0-litre diesel. Elsewhere the more powerful 215bhp 3.0d still manages 38mpg. The 286bhp 3.0sd flagship (later badged xDrive35sd), launched in mid 2006, is an outstanding engine - it uses two turbos for low-down power as well as high-end performance and can race from 0 to 62mph in just 6.6 seconds which is exceptional for a car of this size. Fuel economy is reasonable too at 32mpg. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard across the range but both petrol and diesel 3.0-litre models come with a semi-automatic transmission only.

Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels, Radio/CD, Cruise Control, ABS, Front Armrest, Passenger Airbag, Roof Rails, Side Airbags, Traction Control, Audio Remote control, Electric Door Mirrors, Heated Door Mirrors, Isofix Child Seat Anchor Points.

If you require any further information or would like some assistance with deciding upon which 4x4 vehicle would best be suited to you and your business then please .