The BMW X1, Audi A5 Sportback and Mercedes C-class estate are very different cars, yet they share a price and a target market.

The benchmark is the Mercedes C250 CDI estate. It is the old-school compact family transport. In Elegance trim (we tested Sport) it costs £29,930.

The BMW X1 makes rival cod off-roaders seem overpriced: our test X1 xDrive23d SE may have a silly name, but it costs £29,900.

The Audi A5 Sportback is not only good looking, but also practical, In range-topping S-Line trim it costs £29,975.

Driving

The C250 is substantially the best to drive of the three. Its 201bhp 2.2-litre diesel doesn't confer any speed advantage, because BMW extracts the same number from a 2.0-litre while keeping the kerb weight below the C-class's. But the Benz does feel quicker, thanks to a torque advantage and the widest power band of the three.

More decisive still is its ability to engage the driver in corners. The Merc's steering is better, and if you push on it is the only car here with proper balance. It also offers peerless ride quality - something your family will thank you for on a long journey.

The X1 shows that not even BMW can conquer the dynamic issues that result from a raised centre of gravity and the addition of all-wheel drive. It is quick, and has a smooth engine, but it also feels nose heavy and short on driver involvement. It is the quietest of the three at speed, too.

Audi hasn't helped the A5 Sportback's cause by hobbling it with a 168bhp engine, although it is 100kg lighter than its rivals here, and has a six-speed manual box that makes the most of its power.

It's also surprisingly appealing to drive. Its handling balance inclines towards neutral more than the BMW's and there's greater reaction to changes in throttle opening. However, it is compromised by steering with too much friction and not enough feel.

Inside

The A5 wins the contest of the cabins unopposed. There's nothing clever inside - it's all Audi - but it works. It's instruments are clearer than those in the Mercedes and the ambience is a league ahead of the BMW. It also feels naturally luxurious.

There are two reservations, though. Like all A4-based cars, the Sportback comes with a strange driving position with displaced pedals. It can also only carry four people.

These issues are potential deal-breakers; a shame as there's plenty of head room in the back and enough knee room to rival the Merc and BMW.

The Merc and BMW have driving positions beyond reproach, with preferences decided by individual priorities. That said, don't think the BMW automatically affords a clear view over every hedgerow - it's simply not that tall. The Merc also carries much more luggage.

The result

Third place belongs to the Audi, a car undone not so much by its lack of power as its shortage of seats. A marketing decision has limited the appeal of an otherwise impressive and likeable car.

The BMW X1 is the best of the compact soft-roaders we've driven, and its success is well deserved.

But victory goes to the Mercedes - with the proviso that if you want an auto you should wait until later in the year when the old five-speed unit is replaced by the smoother, more fuel-efficient and refined seven-speed transmission.

The old way remains the best way.

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