BMW X3 sDrive20i 2018 review

It's a sizeable car that doesn't feel sizeable at all. It's not what you'd call zippy, but it's certainly not heavy and nor is the steering wheel - in fact that's the most noticeable bit. When you turn the wheel, the car turns immediately so it's super responsive steering. It's quite smooth with no lurching or jerking, and it handles really nicely on the road. It also does what you ask it to, so if you need to pull out in traffic really quickly, it will, there's no hesitation.

When you turn the wheel, the car turns immediately so it's super responsive steering.

It has a 2.0-litre engine which is enough to get up hills and around town easily, but this spec is only a front-wheel drive, and I'm quite partial to all-wheel drives because I like the extra security of good traction on the road.

It's on the larger side of mid-size SUVs but it's still relatively easy to park, as long as you take the length of the car into consideration. There's a high-def reverse parking camera, but the 360-degree camera is a bit odd - it shows the car from above but doesn't show the surroundings, so you have to guess where the kerb/wall/pole is.

The X3 has a lovely exterior shape which is super luxurious. BMW has managed to nail a premium looking SUV shape which is no easy feat. The signature grille and curved lines aren't particularly sporty, but this BMW is saying upmarket rather than meet-me-at-the-race-track.

The inside looks stylish, but being the base model you can tell where pennies have been pinched. The dash is a touch harder than you might expect from a BMW. But everything else is pretty swish. There's a speedo display which is part digital, part hardware and it looks really cool, plus you get a head-up display on the windscreen to tell you how fast you're going and the speed limit.

In this model you'll get partial leather seats which still feel comfortable and good to touch. There's a leather steering wheel but it doesn't have the fancy flat-bottomed shape you might find in competitors.

The centre console has a high gloss finish which looks beautiful, is clearly set out and easy to use, so it's functional as well. The high gloss finish extends to trims on the doors and it all makes for a wonderful driving experience.

The car is not so huge that kids can't climb up. My two revel in being able to get into the car independently, so this is a good thing.

There are two cupholders in the front which are a good size, big enough to fit a one litre bottle or a large keep cup, and you'll find two in the back as well, plus a bottle holder in each door.

There's an average sized storage bin in the centre and a small spot to throw keys and a phone in the front.

The driver's seat is power operated and there is a memory setting so you can swap between preferences.

The boot opens and closes with a touch of a button on the key (beware, this is very easy to do).

I find this feature so handy for parents because you're often overloaded with bags and children hanging off arms, and scooters falling down backs. So joyful, these moments. Having a button you can press to automatically open and close the boot is fabulous.

Another handy feature is the triple-zone air con because I find I am always hot when the kids are cold and vice versa. This allows them to set their own temperature which doubles as a fun activity for them to own in the car.

The driver's seat is power operated and there is a memory setting so you can easily swap between your and your partner's personal preferences.

Contrary to most other companies, BMW has opted to make its own technology the hero, rather than install Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. You can still get them for an extra $623, but you might decide you don't need them as the BMW system is actually quite good.

The screen is high-def and helpfully, the sat nav is voice activated which means you can dictate an address and the route will come up, rather than having to clunkily type it out.

You'll find competitors in this price range (and much cheaper) have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, though.

There's a DAB radio and an excellent sound system that you can turn up quite loud without any distortion.

The BMW X3 xDrive20i comes in at $66,900 before any extras. Fuel consumption in this petrol model is 7.4L/100km which is fairly average for a car in this category.

It's covered by BMW's three year/unlimited km warranty which is pretty basic these days.