We review the BMW X3 from price to economy and all its features

For all the mud-slinging, the mud-plugger sold more than 600,000 globally, with 32,000 in the UK alone, since 2003.

Despite the criticism, the X3 became a housewives’ favourite.

Dusting off … the new BMW X3 is put through its paces

It was an affordable way to own a Beemer 4×4 and its performance was good enough for the school run.

Now there’s an all-new model which we’ve just driven in Atlanta this week — and it has improved in every single department.

It’s bigger and more powerful than the current version but also lighter, cheaper and the most efficient car in its class.

But looks are everything in the shallow world of UK driveway badge-snobbery and status symbols — and that’s why this X3 is going to be a massive hit.

We gave it a thorough workout in Atlanta, just 20 miles from where it’s built in Spartanburg.

It can certainly tackle the rough stuff on the forest trail — but in truth more owners will take their X3 to the offy than off-road.

However, this X3 proved it’s ready for anything.

At launch there will only be one engine available for the diesel- loving UK market, but the xDrive 20d is very impressive.

There’s a six-speed manual gearbox, although an eight-speed automatic is an option. It gets a stop-start system, the only one in this SUV sector, to boost fuel economy.

The X3 is 25kg lighter while the new engine is 15 per cent more efficient than the one it replaces — and power is also up by eight per cent.

That all shows in the driving experience.

With the manual gearbox, 0-62mph takes 8.5 seconds and feels more punchy than the outgoing model and delivery of power is noticeably smooth.

The manual gearbox is very slick and shifts are precise.

And when you hit corners at pace, the X3 proves very nimble for its size.

With the optional Dynamic Chassis Control system set to Normal, there’s a small amount of body roll if you’re aggressive. Set the system to Sport and the suspension firms up to make the X3 surprisingly agile.

But the biggest improvement is in ride comfort.

It deals with potholes and road imperfections perfectly.

And it’s also wallet-friendly in these tough economic times.

It promises just over 50mpg, although we got around 40mpg, and emits just 49g/km — very decent for a compact SUV.

BMW won’t offer a petrol version at all but they will add a 3-litre diesel next summer.

If the drive is a major improvement, the look is even better.

It’s far more grown-up than the current model, and very much an X5 shrunk on boil wash.

The new X3 has an X5-like front nose and tail-lights from the new 5 Series. It has grown in size, too. Overall length has been increased by 81mm over its predecessor and it has grown in width by 29mm.

Boot space now stands at 550 litres and rises to 1,600 with the rear seats down.

Soft-touch materials and a stylish cabin give it a classier feel thanks to the standard inclusion of leather.

A head-up display projects stats about the car’s speed and sat-nav directions into the driver’s line of sight, while radar-based cruise control applies the brakes or throttle automatically to maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front.

And, the ConnectedDrive system provides internet access while you are on the move.

The X3 goes on sale in the UK on November 18 — prices will start at £30,490.

BMW are keeping it simple — with one spec at launch, alongside the single engine — although there’s plenty of kit as standard, such as leather trim and dual-zone air conditioning.

The price is £115 cheaper than for the equivalent previous-generation car, but with costly options such as a panoramic sunroof, head-up display and sat-nav, the bill will rise rather quickly if you like your gadgets.

But that won’t matter. The X3 was a success when it was called ugly and uncomfortable.

Now it will be simply unstoppable.

The poor man’s X5 will make Beemer rich.

What to look out for when buying a used BMW X3 (2004 – )

You’d be desperately unlucky to buy an X3 and have any issues with it, unless the car has already been shunted or abused in some way. Build quality and reliability are top notch, and if glitches should crop up, BMW dealers are generally brilliant at putting things right without fuss.

This top-notch reliability is reflected in the fact that even the first-generation X3 E83 has been recalled just the once – when cars built between August 2008 and June 2009 began to suffer from an electrical short circuit discharging the battery. The second take on the X3 formula, the F25, has not been recalled.

There are few serious issues to watch for but keep an eye open for leaky rear diffs, faulty parking sensors and corroding aluminium roof rails.