 Every car is a series of compromises.  In the areas that are priorities to me - safety, quality, performance - the X1 scores well.  Its chief limitations are modest cargo capacity and a somewhat cramped (for adults at least) rear seat.  However, given that the X1 has a footprint barely bigger than a Prius, it is roomy by the standards of small vehicles.  If you need substantial cargo capacity you should look at the X3 or X5.  If you need to seat adults in the rear seats on a regular basis look at the X3 or ensure that you get an X1 with the sliding/reclining rear seat option.  But for my family only small children sit in the back, and the standard X1 is just about ideal.  We have a second car which is a good deal larger than the X1.  Parking tends to be difficult where we live, and it is significantly easier to find a parking place for the X1 than it is to find a parking place for the larger vehicle.  Fuel economy is noteworthy, I did not believe the stated 32mpg on the highway was really achievable, but we took a road trip with the X1 and I can report that figure is absolutely attainable.  Overall great small SUV.