High hopes for BMW’s fast crossover

Could the X2 M35i, fitted with the company’s most powerful four-cylinder engine yet, represent a new breed of hot hatch, asks Matt Robinson

The new BMW X2 M35i packs the most powerful four-cylinder production engine yet from the German maker while, inside, it’s well made and nicely laid out

As crossovers and SUVs become ever more prevalent, vastly preferred by customers keen on a high-riding driving position, it is inevitable that they will begin to spread into other areas of the motoring industry beyond their primary remit as an alternative method (to estates and large hatchbacks) of transporting your family around safely.

Sure enough, there has been a recent sharp rise in the performance SUV/crossover. Though many people regard them as a ‘new’ ...