FIND a niche in the car market and BMW will have seen it – and created a car to fill it. Which is exactly what has happened with the brand new BMW X2 range.

Described as a Sports Activity Coupe, the new X2 is built on the same wheelbase as the current X1 but is two centimetres shorter and seven centimetres lower. With coupe looks and BMW’s refined chassis promising class-beating handling the new X2 could prove popular amongst business users.

Essentially the new BMW X2 is a coupe version of the current X1. Same wheelbase as the X1 but the shorter overhangs create a more streamlined and attractive silhouette. It features a new grille that is slightly wider at the bottom to give the X2 a sportier, more distinctive appearance, while the sleek roofline and slimline windows provide the coupe swoop down to the widened rear end.

The heart of the BMW X2 is the way it transfers the power to the wheels, and ultimately the road. The driving responses can be adapted by using the Driving Experience Control switch, allowing the driver to choose between Comfort mode, efficiency-enhancing Eco Pro mode and Sport mode. There is also an optional Dynamic Damper Control to control the suspension set up even more precisely.

While the new BMW X2 will be sold with just one engine choice initially, the 190bhp 20d diesel unit offering up to 61mpg and 121g/km, the rest of the engine range will follow during 2018. The Sports Activity Coupé’s line-up will expand to include the four-cylinder X2 sDrive20i, X2 sDrive18d and X2 xDrive18d.

The BMW X2 20d is also fitted with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive as standard. It also features an integral Hill Descent Control that enables the BMW X2 to automatically maintain a desired speed on steep descents while the driver can concentrate on steering.

The 20d should prove to be a popular choice for company car drivers as it offers a good balance of performance and economy. The relatively low emissions of 121g/km puts the new X2 20d in the 26% BIK bracket for the current tax year, although it will rise to 29% for the 2018/19 tax year.

Prices start from £33,980 for the SE trim so a 20% tax rate payer will be looking at a tax bill of around £1,760 per year. As well as the entry level SE trim the new BMW X2 will also be available in Sport, M Sport, and M Sport X versions, each offering an increase in specification as you move up through the range.

Standard specification on all models includes a 6.5-inch Touch Control Display with navigation system designed to provide the driver with a quick summary of the most important information at any particular time. Its simple operation emulates the intuitive touch control principles familiar from smartphones.

Optional packs can be added to the BMW X2 to increase specification to suit customer requirements. Safety features such as LED headlights, parking cameras, Active Cruise Control, and the like can all be added, as can smartphone connectivity, head up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot.

The new BMW X2 xDrive20d is available to order with prices from £33,980 for the entry-level SE model. Prices for the other engine options will follow as they are released.