BMW is poised to shake up the compact executive segment with the arrival of the new 1 Series.

Featuring four engines, three gearboxes and rear-wheel drive, a combination not found in any of its competitors, the BMW 1 Series makes its entrance in autumn 2004.

A 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 150Nm of torque at 4,300rpm powers the entry-level BMW 116i. The 115bhp unit achieves a zero to 62mph time of 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 125mph.

Even with this high level of performance, the 116i achieves an economical fuel consumption of 37.7mpg.

The high-performance four-cylinder petrol model is the BMW 120i with its 150bhp and 200Nm (at 3,600rpm) 2.0-litre Valvetronic petrol engine. Light and nimble, the 120i covers zero to 62mph in 8.7 seconds before going on to achieve a maximum speed of 135mph.

The BMW 1 Series launch line-up is completed with two versions of the powerful yet frugal 2.0-litre common rail diesel engine. The 122bhp BMW 118d averages 50.4mpg while posting a zero to 62mph time of 10 seconds and reaching a top speed of 125mph. The higher-performance 163bhp BMW 120d achieves 49.6mpg yet is capable of a 7.9 second zero to 62mph time and a 137mph top speed.

Instant turbo power delivered smoothly to the red line results in the 120d posting sharper performance figures than its 2.0-litre petrol equivalent.

Both diesel-engined derivatives and the two BMW Group Company petrol units are EU4 emission compliant.

The high level of standard safety features combined with structural integrity means that the new 1 Series is clearly aiming for five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test. Prices for the all-new 1-Series will be announced later in the spring.