Over a decade since it was last used, the ‘ti’ badge is back in action. This is the BMW 128ti.
The 128ti isn’t the hottest 1 Series available, with the more powerful, all-wheel drive M135i targeting the likes of the S3 and A35. It certainly offers something new, however, thanks to the previous model’s rear-wheel drive setup being ditched for front-wheel drive.
Obviously this was a controversial move with many slating the decision when it was originally announced, but it’s given BMW the chance to do something they’ve not been able to do until now. That is to go after the likes of the Golf GTI, Civic Type-R and Focus ST, and it looks as though they might need to up their game if they want to stay on top.
With a downtuned version of the M135i’s 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine, the BMW 128ti produces 265bhp, around 20bhp more than the VW, and puts that power down through the front wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission. This means 0-62mph takes just 6.1 seconds and the top speed is limited to 155mph. Not too shabby.
This left BMW with a new challenge – developing a suspension, steering and braking setup that would allow it to handle all of that power going through the front wheels in the corners. It looks like they might have pulled it off, too…
The 128ti’s bespoke and specially tuned M Sport suspension sits 10mm lower than the standard model and borrows parts such as firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts from the M135i. It also shares its Torsen limited-slip differential which monitors slip and sends power to the wheel with the most grip to reduce understeer.
The exclusion of a heavier xDrive setup means the 128ti is 80kg lighter than its more powerful sibling. Its handling is enhanced further by the standard fitment of M Sport brakes with red callipers and lightweight 18-inch alloys which are exclusive to the 128ti and wear super grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres. 19s are available at an additional cost.
Obviously, there are plenty of external upgrades to talk about, too. The 128ti gets extended Shadowline trim – previously chrome trims such as the grille, exhaust tips and window surrounds are now gloss black giving it a more sporty, aggressive appearance.
The 128ti gets even darker with the optional Shadowline headlights and lightweight M Performance components such as the front splitter, rear diffuser, roof spoiler and mirror caps available in either a gloss black or carbon finish.
The external red accents seen in the photos are optional and continue into the vehicle’s interior. The centre panels of the seats feature a ‘Race Red’ accent and contrast stitching appears in the steering wheel, door panels, the instrument panel and floor mat edging. There’s also a red ‘ti’ badge stitched into the centre armrest.
There are M Performance parts available inside the car as well, most notably the M Performance steering wheel which can be wrapped in black alcantara with red stitching and a red strip in the 12 o’clock position. For an even sportier feel, it can come in a carbon/alcantara or carbon/leather combination with carbon fibre paddles.
It sounds very promising and, despite the slightly oversized grille which seems to be the BMW way at the moment, I think it looks really good.
So how much does it cost? Well, at £32,995, the BMW 128ti now appeals to a much wider audience and is actually slightly cheaper than the new Golf GTI. That’s with the standard six-speed manual, too – the VW is around £1,500 more if you want the equivalent DSG transmission.
As I said before, it was an extremely bold move to ditch the RWD and aim directly at the likes of the Golf GTI and Civic Type-R, cars which have lead the class for decades. Will the risk pay off, though? Only time will tell but I think the Bavarians might have hit the jackpot at the first time of trying.
What do you think of the BMW 128ti? Is this a stroke of genius or would you rather they stuck with the traditional, but more expensive, rear-wheel drive setup? Let us know in the comments section below or via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
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