The X3 is an excellent package. It?s spacious, practical and versatile, as well as being superb to drive ? as long as you choose the right options. If you?re in the market for a compact SUV, then this shouldn?t just be on your shortlist, it should be at the top of it. Every X3 comes with a diesel engine, but that?s no bad thing, as the strong and flexible units perfectly suit the car, and, as far as we?re concerned, none suits it better than the entry-level 20d engine. Even with standard four-wheel drive, it gives you more than enough performance for everyday use, and has the lowest running costs. However, we would suggest you pay the extra for the optional automatic transmission. Not only is it smoother than this manual gearbox, it also gives better fuel economy.