WALKING tall, second generation BMW X1 hopes to use its extra height to woo company car driving fans of small SUVs.

The redesigned X1 is a full 53mm higher than the old car increasing potential space inside the cabin. It also boasts a wide range of engines boasting tax-busting CO2 emissions as low as 109g/km, power output as high as 231hp and a 0-62mph sprint time as quick as 6.6secs.

Featuring an all-new range of engines and gearboxes and an ultra-efficient version of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the second generation of the BMW X1 is said to exemplify the German manufacturer’s EfficientDynamics philosophy. At market launch, one petrol engine and three diesel options are offered.

It will be available from launch with one petrol and three diesel units, each with 2.0-litre displacement and BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

The BMW X1 xDrive20i is powered by a 192hp version of the same, new, four-cylinder petrol engine, whose peak torque of 280Nm can also be accessed from just 1,250rpm. This power unit also combines as standard with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The new BMW X1 xDrive20i sprints from 0 to 62mph in 7.4 seconds, with an average fuel consumption is 44.8mpg and, while CO2 emissions come in at 146g/km.

With a maximum output of 231hp, the new engine is the most powerful four-cylinder diesel ever fitted in a BMW and its peak torque of 450Nm is available between 1,500 and 3,000rpm. It accelerates the new BMW X1 xDrive25d (with standard-fit eight-speed Steptronic transmission) from 0 to 62mph in 6.6 seconds, and posts an average fuel consumption of 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 132g/km.

The BMW X1 xDrive20d and BMW X1 sDrive18d feature maximum output up 7hp on their predecessors, standing at 190hp and 150hp respectively. The peak torque outputs of 400 and 330Nm ensure outstanding flexibility. The new BMW X1 xDrive20d, which is fitted as standard with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 7.6 seconds, while the new BMW X1 sDrive18d completes the same sprint in 9.2seconds. This increased performance is combined with lower fuel consumption and emissions. The new BMW X1 xDrive20d posts figures of 57.6mpg and 128g/km, while the new BMW X1 sDrive18d records 68.9mpg and 109g/km.

The new BMW X1 offers more space for passengers and luggage and new options for varying its load-carrying capacity. Knee room at the rear has increased by 36mm in standard specification and by up to 66mm with the optionally adjustable rear seat, while boot capacity of 505 litres represents an 85-litre improvement on the first-generation X1 and can be increased further to as much as 1,550 litres by folding down the standard 40:20:40-split rear seat.