You know you're getting old when you find yourself behind the wheel of the third generation of a car you first drove when it was originally launched.

The BMW X1 burst onto the scene in 2009, as a compact sport activity vehicle (note the SAV, and not SUV), and immediately laid down a marker as a premium entrant in what would become a very competitive segment.

These days, it goes up against the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Lexus UX, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40, and in this third generation not only holds its own, but wins out on many metrics.

The exception, for some, might be the looks. Personally, I like the updated design, with a fresh big grille with shutters that open and close for aerodynamic improvement, slim all-LED headlights, a stretched silhouette, chunkily sculpted wheel arches, flush door handles and a long roof spoiler.

The cooling air inlets up front are wider, and the rear of the car is expanded too, with a slim window and narrow LED lights.

In Association with

For the first time, 20-inch alloys are available as an optional extra over the standard 17-inch. There are 12 paint colours to choose from, and I particularly like the matte effect of the Frozen Pure Grey. There is a time in life to be flashy, and a time to be restrained, and restraint really makes this car sing.

That's me, though. Friends took a look and decided it was just too monolithic, proving as always that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The car has got bigger - 53mm longer, 24mm wider, and 44mm taller ? allowing for increased room for rear passengers, and for luggage. The rear seats can be moved 13cm back and forth, depending on which needs priority.

The X1 cabin really is the highlight of the car. My test model was the Premium Pro version, and even there the really beautiful Oyster Vernasca leather upholstery was a €1,760 extra, albeit a delightful one that bring a lovely lightness to the interior.

Picked up by a lot of glossy piano black inlays, and a curved infotainment screen with the latest software built in, it's a lovely environment for a long drive.

The high driving position gives you the clearest view of the road ahead, though the head-up display is great too, always warning you if you're too close to the car on front, or in danger of leaving your lane.

One thing I wasn't wild about was the heated steering wheel, which feels overly chunky, demanding a rather wide opening of your hands.

There is so much else to enjoy, though, like a handy storage area under the floating centre armrest, a panoramic glass sunroof, harman/ kardon sound system, front sports seats with electric adjustment and memory, and a high clarity digital instrument panel.

Best of all is the wireless charging pad for your compatible phone. It has a spring loaded fascia, and you just pop your phone vertically behind that, and it won't budge no matter how sharply you take a corner. Attention to detail is always admirable, especially when it relates to convenience.

My car was the xDrive allwheel drive model, with an electrically operated tow hitch, and pulling power up to two tonnes. There's a 48v mild hybrid system that elevates the power on tap from 204hp for the petrol engine to 218hp overall.

The battery impacts a little on luggage space compared with the standard model, but only by 40 litres. The downside is a tyre repair kit rather than a spare.

Best in class handling

There also is a full electric version of the car, the ix1, from €63,995, which might offer food for thought for anyone considering buying an X1 full stop. I hope to get to drive it soon to make the comparison.

Talking of driving, the X1 has the best handling in its class, with tremendous sturdiness on the road, no matter what the condition of the surface.

Even the roughest speed bumps seem smooth in this car. It's fast, too, at 7.1 seconds to 100kph, and with a top speed of 233kph, not that you'll ever be doing that, obviously.

All in all, the latest X1 is a very tidy package. The looks have been smartened up, the cabin has hit new heights of luxury and build quality, and the overall feeling is of something a lot more agile and graceful than before.

Yes, it's expensive, but you get a lot for your money and, mild hybrid or not, it's nice to see that petrol still has a role to play.