The Golf needed a rival - and it got one with the BMW_ 1 Series in 2004 - best selling models includes the BMW_ 116i, BMW_ 118d, 120i plus 120d in in both ES plus M-Sport trim. . Although BMW_ had gained some experience of building plus working with smaller motorcars in its history, its most compact offering of the 1990s was a model known aptly as Compact, although it was really just a 3-SRS with its boot lopped off. With ownership plus development of the Mini taking place, the BMW_ company felt that an interim modelrange, to be called BMW_ 1-SRS, would slot between the 2 lines plus provide a useful step into BMW_ ownership. It was a critically received model, when introduced in late-2004, not least because the BMW_ 1 Series was a compact hatchback that still used a front-mounted, in-line motor (i.e. not transverse) plus back-wheel-drive. BMW_'s contention was that it wanted to retain the dynamic balance for which BMW_ products are renowned, with none of the demerits attached to typical front-driven machines. Besides, BMW_ also had Mini to deal with the premium end of the small motorcar market. The BMW_ 1-SRS need not share any compromises. Yet, the British motoring media has been particularly unkind towards it, even though it provides the raft of benefits that come with BMW_ ownership. Still, buyers choose with their feet plus bank accounts and the BMW_ 1 Series has been a very successful model modelrange for the company, encompassing several versions from a low-output, high-economy diesel to a straight-6 3.0L petrol motor for genuine performance addicts. Its build quality is exemplary plus a host of novel technological developments have allowed BMW_ to showcase them on other models within the company's extensive modelrange. Naturally, as with models such as the 3 plus 5-SRS, the company motorcar market has taken BMW_ to its heart plus the 1-SRS is supplied in good numbers to that scene, while it has also been responsible for doing what the company wanted from the outset, to introduce BMW_ to a wider modelrange of potential buyers. The BMW 118d is a cracking buy on PCP or to contract hire or lease because its depreciation is so low.