I KNOW there are still people out there who deride diesels and 4x4s at every opportunity.
But they haven't been lucky enough to drive the amazing BMW X3 3.0sd, which is frighteningly quick, hugely agile and still very economical.
This is the usual BMW 3 litre six cylinder diesel, but instead of the normal and very good 218bhp, it gets two turbos to give almost unbelievable acceleration at a twitch of the right foot.
This is just as good between 30 and 70 miles an hour as it is away from rest and that's with a six speed automatic gearbox.
The engine is whisper quiet unless aroused and even then there is only just enough turbine noise to keep an enthusiast interested.
Handling are roadholding, with huge alloys and rubber, defies the fact that it's a 4x4 at all but the ride can be fidgety on some surfaces.
Interior
Equipment seems good but for nearly £40,000, I would expect things like sat nav and leather to be standard.
Sadly it doesn't even get bluetooth, a multi-CD player or an MP3 player and that is curmugeonly. There are discounts and make sure you get some extras free.
FAST FACTS
BMW X3 3.0sd
Price: £39,450.
Mechanical: 282bhp, 2,993cc, 6 cylinder diesel engine driving all four wheels via 6 spd auto gearbox
Max speed: 149mph
0-62mph: 6.6 seconds.
Combined mpg: 36
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 208g/km
BIK rating: 32%
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles; 3 years paint; 12 years anti-rust
Marks: 10/10
Main Rival: Audi Q7.