The new BMW X1 should be praised for its safety, styling and economic prowess, according to one review.

Writing for the Liverpool Echo, Ian Johnson highlights the practical qualities that the smallest member of the X-Series family possesses.

He draws attention to the styling of the car, explaining that it is essentially a more compact and affordable version of the popular X5 model.

"The vehicle's elegant lines and commanding driving position echo its larger stablemate, while the five-seat configuration and 1,350-litre boot space provide outstanding load-lugging capability," he writes.

Prestige car hire enthusiasts may also want to hear about the X1's safety ratings, which make it one of the safest cars in its class.

Motorists will be given the choice of three diesel engines with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.

Furthermore, the 204bhp top-of-the-range X1 X-Drive 23d will propel drivers to 62mph in a respectable 7.3 seconds.

Meanwhile, BMW states that the X1 is also a very economical car, with a combined consumption of 44.8mpg and a low emissions figure of 167g/km.

BMW first unveiled the X1 at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

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Posted by Daniel Foster