THE PRICE LINES ARE BLURRING when it comes to hot hatches, with some Japanese entrants nudging the prices being asked for more traditional (read “European”) contenders.
Proving the point is the all-new BMW 128ti hatch, scheduled to arrive in Australian BMW dealers early next year and offer both outstanding performance and an extensive list of features and equipment, and priced from $56,900 (plus on road costs).
The latest offering from BMW will add to the 1 Series line-up – which launched in Australia in late 2019 – and already includes the 118i and flagship M135i xDrive.
The 128ti features a raft of elements designed for unfiltered driving pleasure, from specially tuned M Sport suspension to a potent 2.0-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology that generates 180kW and 380Nm.
It will also carry distinguishing exterior and interior touches that provide added character and presence.
A genuine “Turismo Internazionale” variant
The new BMW 128ti breathes new life into a long tradition at BMW.
Since the 1960s the “TI” (later “ti”) badge has stood for “Turismo Internazionale”, marking out particularly sporty members of the model range.
The successful history of the TI models began in 1963 with the BMW 1800 TI and reached its first major pinnacle in the form of the two-door BMW 2002 TI.
This was the car in which future Formula One driver, Le Mans winner and DTM champion Hans-Joachim Stuck teamed up with Clemens Schickentanz to win the first running of the legendary Nürburgring 24-hour race in 1970.
In the late 1990s, the BMW 3 Series Compact – in BMW 323ti and BMW 325ti form – epitomised the philosophy of the focused compact car.
M Sport spec the foundation
The new BMW 128ti is based on the M Sport model specification available for the BMW 1 Series.
It has a distinctive front apron with specially sculpted air intakes and the rear apron from the M Sport in high-gloss black.
The BMW 128ti underscores its standalone character with striking coloured accents. The special covers for the outer air intakes carried over from the front apron of the range-topping BMW M135i xDrive and the trim for the Air Curtains (high-gloss black elsewhere in the 1 Series range) are in a sporting red colour including for the air vents exiting the rear wheel arches in the rear bumper.
The side skirt trim and “ti” badge located above it ahead of the rear wheels are also red on examples of the BMW 128ti with Storm Bay metallic, Mineral Grey metallic, Sapphire Black metallic and Alpine White paintwork.
If the BMW 128ti is ordered with the Melbourne Red metallic or Misano Blue metallic finishes, the accents and “ti” badge come in black.
Dynamic touches mark exterior styling package
The BMW 128ti has extended Shadow Line trim with a black BMW kidney grille.
The optional BMW Individual lights Shadow Line for the headlights creates a darker appearance, assisted by the absence of various chrome trim elements.
The window graphic surrounds feature BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim. The “128ti” badge on the tailgate is finished in chrome, while the two exhaust tailpipes have a diameter of 90mm.
The BMW 128ti also comes with 18-inch Y-spoke 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels designed exclusively for the model variant.
Interior features exclusive accents
The interior of the BMW 128ti features premium materials and extends the use of red accents from the exterior.
These accents create a bold contrast against the black headliner, while a large Race Red surface adorns the backrests of the Sensatec/cloth sport seats.
A red “ti” is stitched into the centre armrest which – along with the other armrests, door panels, instrument panel and floor mat edging – also features red contrast stitching.
The steering wheel rim and airbag cover of the standard M Sport steering wheel also have red stitching.
Standard specification for the BMW 128ti also includes M door sill strips on the front door openings and M seat belts.
The concept for operating functions of the BMW 128ti using the grouped control clusters is focused squarely on the driver.
Access to the infotainment features of BMW Operating System 7.0 is via a large display grouping, whose two displays have a diagonal of up to 10.25 inches in BMW Live Cockpit Professional.
A 9.2-inch BMW Head-Up Display will be standard on Australian specification models, while Gesture Control will be available as an option. The load compartment has a capacity of 380 litres, rising to 1200 litres with the rear seat bench folded.
Electric tailgate operation is optional.
Chassis engineered to engage
The new BMW 128ti boasts a wealth of detail improvements and comes exclusively with M Sport suspension specially tuned to suit its distinctive character.
M Sport suspension brings a 10mm reduction in ride height for a lower centre of gravity and a more aggressive appearance.
It also adopts the firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts with high preload from the range-topping BMW M135i xDrive, as well as stiffer springs and shock absorbers that have been modified accordingly.
The result is even sharper driving dynamics, helped by the reduced body movement that comes with the bespoke M Sport suspension.
This combines with a model-specific steering setup, which has been precisely adapted to suit such a powerful front-wheel-drive car while also helping to reduce torque steer.
Optimised front axle elastokinematics additionally aid in providing a highly connected feel to road surface, while a weight saving of around 80 kilograms over the all-wheel-drive BMW M135i xDrive helps deliver an agile and focused driving experience.
Torsen limited-slip differential for improved traction
The front axle of the BMW 128ti is equipped as standard with the same Torsen limited-slip differential adopted by the BMW M135i xDrive.
With locking factors of 31 percent when accelerating (36 percent for BMW M135i xDrive) and 26 percent when decelerating, it is the ideal solution for the engine output and front-wheel-drive concept of the BMW 128ti.
As well as increasing traction, agility and stability, the limited-slip differential also gives the car superior cornering prowess.
If the inside wheel loses grip while powering through a bend and the driver accelerates at the same time, the limited-slip differential directs more torque to the wheel with greater grip, thereby preventing wheel slip and enhancing traction and agility.
When driving on the overrun – during a lane change for example – the differential improves stability and cornering behaviour if a wheel rotates more slowly or is about to lock up by distributing the torque to the wheels individually.
This translates to composed handling performance.
Advanced electronic systems contribute to sharp handling
The mechanical limited-slip differential is assisted in its task by a host of supporting electronic control systems.
BMW Performance Control, whose “sharper” yaw moment distribution boosts rear axle agility, has been specially modified for the BMW 128ti.
ARB (near-actuator wheel slip limitation) technology features a slip controller positioned directly in the engine control unit rather than in the control unit for the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system.
This enables the system to work 10 times faster, which equates to smoother and sensitive operation while making maximum use of the potential traction offered by different road surfaces.
The ARB technology works in close tandem with DSC to significantly reduce power understeer – a typical drawback of front-wheel-drive cars – without the need for corrective inputs to stabilise lateral dynamics.
Stopping power courtesy of M Sport brakes
The requisite stopping power in the BMW 128ti is provided by the standard M Sport brakes, whose calipers bear the M logo at the front axle and are painted red, the latter marking a first for the BMW 1 Series line-up.
Aluminium four-piston monoblock fixed calipers and 360 x 30-millimetre inner-vented discs are employed at the front wheels. Floating calipers with inner-vented brake discs measuring 300 x 20mm are at the rear.
The M Sport brakes stand out with their increased fade resistance and exceptional feel.
The exclusive 18-inch Y-spoke 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels fitted on the BMW 128ti can be specified with sport tyres in 225/40 R18 format as a no-cost option.
Nineteen-inch double-spoke 552 M light-alloy wheels shod with 235/35 R19 tyres are optional.
BMW TwinPower Turbo provides midrange thrust and low-down punch
The 2.0-litre powerplant in the 128ti incorporates BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.
The engine was modified for the new compact sports model and produces 180kW from its 2.0-litre displacement across a rev band of 5000 – 6500 rpm. Peak torque of 380Nm is available from 1500 – 4400 rpm.
These figures help the BMW 128ti dispatch the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds en route to a top speed of 243km/h.
The standard Active Sound Design (ASD) provides specific amplification of the authentic engine sound and adapts it to the character of the BMW 128ti.
Eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission for fast and smooth shifts
The BMW 128ti is fitted as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
Fast gear changes ensure the highest possible gear is always engaged even at low road speeds, while shift paddles on the steering wheel allow the driver to change gear manually at any time.
Australian specification highlights
The BMW 128ti, priced at $56,900 (plus on road costs), will arrive in Australia with a host of features as standard including elements unique to the model.
Highlights are as follows:
- BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine
- 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission
- Limited slip differential on front axle
- 18-inch M light alloy wheels 553M Bicolour with performance tyres
- Cloth/Sensatec upholstery, black with red stitching
- Comfort Access System
- M Sport brakes, red high-gloss
- M seat belts
- M leather steering wheel with red stitching
- Floor mats in velour with red accents
- Electric seat adjustment
- Adaptive LED headlights
- High-beam assistant
- Automatic air-conditioning, two-zone
- M Sport suspension with specific tuning
- M rear spoiler
- BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line with extended contents
Exterior finishes
The 128ti is available in six exterior colour options:
- Alpine White
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Melbourne Red Metallic
- Mineral Grey Metallic
- Misano Blue Metallic
- Storm Bay Metallic
Customers can delete the additional exterior highlights and ‘ti’ insignia upon request. If done so, the front and rear exterior elements finished in red – except for Melbourne Red Metallic and Misano Blue Metallic which don’t carry those touches – revert to high-gloss black. The base of the side skirt also changes to high-gloss black and the ‘ti’ designation is removed.
Option packages and customisation
The BMW 128ti can be customised to individual preferences with a wide range of options.
M Sport seats, which feature a single piece backrest trimmed in cloth and Alcantara, are available as a no-cost option. These seats can also be trimmed in leather ‘Dakota’ upholstery in different colours at additional cost. Depending on the colour choice, the unique ‘ti’ insignias and accents that are unique to the model change to ensure appropriate contrast.
Customers can also option the standard M leather steering wheel with black stitching to replace the model-specific M leather steering wheel with red stitching.
Packages are available for the 128ti as per below:
Enhancement Package 1 – $3000
- Metallic paint
- Panorama glass roof
- Active cruise control with Stop & Go functionality
Enhancement Package 2 – $3700
- BMW Individual Storm Bay Metallic
- Panorama glass roof
- Active cruise control with Stop & Go functionality
Convenience Package – $1300
- Automatic operation of tailgate
- Luggage compartment storage net
- Through-loading system
Comfort Package – $1023
- Seat heating for driver and passenger
- Lumbar support for driver and passenger
- Steering wheel heating
Once we have tested and assessed the new BMW 128ti, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.