The new BMW 1 Series, set to debut early next year, is surely doing one thing with long-time BMW fans. And that’s taking them back to the sixties, reminding them of the affordable yet sporty 2002. BMW can only hope that the new 1 Series will become just as popular.

The 1 Series will come in two forms, the 128i and 135i. BMW will slot the car directly between the Mini Cooper and 3 Series.

Called the entry level model, the 128i will get the 328i’s 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline six. Up a tick in refinement, the 135i uses the 335i’s 3.0-liter 300 horsepower twin-turbocharged inline six. We have to stop here for a moment. As performance car enthusiasts, we’ll try to keep our excitement on the down-low. How great is it that the smaller, lighter 1 Series gets to take advantage of the 3 Series outstanding powerplants?

The 135i will benefit from some M-like features. The upgrades include an aero kit, sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch rims. On the inside, the M-like niceties continue with sport bucket seats and pedals. Other standard and optional features include HD and satellite radio, an iPod jack and iDrive. The latter being an option with the navigation system.

Pricing is expected to start around $26,000 for the 128i, with the 135i comanding $5,000 more.