Clarkson is past his sell by date, he used to be witty now he is grasping for attention as he becomes ever more irrelevant.
Test Any cars you are interested in and think for yourself.
I love my X1 2.3 Xdrive and my next car in a couple of years will be another!
However I will say get the 2.3 X-drive auto, get leather, get standard 17" wheels and Clarksons criticisms disappear anyway.