A NEWCOMER to the compact executive market, BMW's 1 Series, is a four-seater sports hatch with lots of oomph.

When it goes on sale towards the end of the year, customers could well be spoiled for choice: either by a couple of potent petrol engines or two money-saving diesels, and furthermore the chance to mix'n'match from three gearboxes.

It is a launch that BMW sees as a potential shake-up within the compact luxury market, mainly because of the width of choice, including rear-wheel drive, which cannot be matched by any competitors, among them Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Prices will be announced in a few weeks.

Although it is a new car, it keeps its traditional BMW design trademarks - the front kidney grille and double headlamps.

Its vital statistics are a 4230mm long body, with a relatively long wheelbase of 2660mm.

There is good shoulder and legroom for those in the back, and the split fold rear seats that fold virtually flat, means plenty of carrying space, up to 1150-litres, when needed.

Meanwhile, a 1.6-litre engine producing 150Nm of torque at 4,300rpm powers the entry-level 116i. The 115bhp engine takes the car from 0-62mph in 10.8-seconds, yet is still capable of returning an economical 37.7mpg. But the high performer is the 120i with its 150bhp and 200Nm (at 3,600rpm) 2.0-litre Valvetronic petrol engine. Light and nimble the 120i dashes to 62mph in 8.7-seconds.

Two versions of the 2.0-litre economical and clean common rail diesel complete the line-up. The 122bhp 118d averages 50.4mpg while posting a zero to 62mph time of 10-seconds, and the higher-performance 163bhp 120d chalks up 49.6mpg and completes the 0-62mph dash in 7.9-seconds. It is the instant turbo power that gives the 120d its sharper performance figures compared to the 2.0-litre petrol version.

A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted to the 118d, 120d and 120i models, while the 116i has a five-speed manual. An optional six-speed automatic is available as an option on 120i and 120d cars.

Safety features include stability and traction control, brake control and electronic differential lock. There is also an airbag system that includes head protection for all occupants. Standard fit 16-inch run-flat tyres also means that the days of roadside tyre changes are over.

Optional extras available include Bluetooth 'phone capability, sports seats with backrest width adjustment, parking distance control front and rear and Bi-xenon headlights. BMW's iDrive controller when mated to a navigation system is also an option.

Finally, not long after its autumn launch, keyless access and voice-activated radio and navigation systems, will become available.

Updated: 11:35 Friday, March 26, 2004