A completely new series of compact class BMWs was launched in March 2004. The 1 series means a luxury vehicle of small dimensions, displaying all the characteristic styling features and driving advantages of the other models of the make. Like all the BMW 1 series models, at first offered only as a 5-door hathback, it has been provided with a classical power train with the engine placed at the front and equipped with rear-axle drive. The offer now includes five versions of this attractive vehicle: the 116i with a 1.6-liter 115 hp engine, the 120i with a 2.0-liter 150 hp, and the 130i with a new, 6- cylinder 3.0-liter 258 hp plant. Moreover, the 118d and the 120d version employ a modern 2.0-liter diesel engine of 122 hp and 163 hp, respectively. In the first half of 2005, the 118i version equipped with a 2.0-liter 130 hp petrol engine was released. Unusually attractive form and styling, as well as the excellent performance of the BMW 1 series cars, put this model at the forefront of luxury compact class vehicles.