BMW has launched a new entry model to the X range of SUVs. The aim seems to be to combine the X series design style into a more affordable and economical package. And for the first time you can get a BMW X Series in two-wheel drive format to confirm its affordability and economy. The new X1 has definite SUV looks and appeal, with all of the basic credentials of an X machine.

The driver and passengers get a higher seat position than with a 3 Series Touring and the complete shape is built around a scaled down X5, so it looks very much a BMW X Series machine.

While BMWs have been traditionally more expensive than the mainstream competition, the X1 breaks that mould. With a BMW badge, you expect it to be one of the more expensive small SUVs on the market. Relative to the competition, the X1 entry price at €35,480 before delivery charges is reasonably attractive. Many of the competitive models are more expensive, less economical, come with much higher annual road tax rates. I mean competition such as the Suzuki Grand Vitara.

BMW is sticking with its rear wheel drive tradition in the two-wheel drive X1. This makes the sDrive version unique, as a rear wheel drive only SUV; most others are front wheel drive.

BMW believes that the X1 with this rear drive gives good acceleration. I found that to be true - the car is lively. But our recent snow covered roads would be an interesting challenge for a rear wheel drive SUV, especially one that was not well loaded. I didn't have that option.

Power for the entry level BMW X1 comes in the form of the well-proven 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine. The test car was the mid-power version, which delivers 177bhp and 350Nm of torque. Relative to the competition, that's an impressive power output and it's proven by its acceleration pace. The 2.0 litre X1 in rear wheel drive only drive sDrive format that I drove can accelerate from 0 to 100km/hr in just 8.1 seconds. That puts it well ahead of most of the entry-level diesel SUVs. It's even ahead of some of the entry level 3 Series cars.

The BMW EfficientDynamics system is included in this X1 like almost all other BMW models. And the system can ensure impressive economy. The BMW X1 sets a lead in terms of economy with its combined driving economy figure of 5.3 l/100km (53.3mpg). That was also noticeable in terms of less pitstops during my test drive, which covered a good distance. Volkswagen Tiguan is the only other compact SUV that can match the economy of this sDrive BMW X1. Unlike the X1, it is a front wheel drive SUV so it should behave differently in the snow.