BMW 128ti is gunning for the Golf GTI

BMW has revealed details of its upcoming 128ti hot hatch with pricing and specification designed to turn the heads of anyone considering a new Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Priced from £32,995 and on sale from November, the 128ti is actually cheaper than the entry-level Golf GTI and sits below the M135i in the BMW range.

Read More
Honda Civic Type R review
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Unlike the range-topping all-wheel-drive M135i, the 128ti is front-wheel-drive only but uses a detuned version of the M135i’s 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine driving the car through an eight-speed automatic transmission. In the 128ti the four-cylinder twin-turbo unit produces 261bhp and 295lb ft of torque (vs the Golf’s 242bhp and 273lb ft) which will get it from 0-62mpg in 6.1 seconds and on to 155mph.

BMW says that despite the car’s performance it will return 46.3mpg and emit 139g/km of CO2.

(Photo: BMW)

To help control the power, the 128ti gets a Torsen limited-slip differential as standard and specially tuned M Sport suspension that is 10mm lower than other 1 Series M Sports. Setting it apart from regular M Sport models, the 128ti also gets the anti-roll bars and brakes from the M135i while being 80kg lighter than the all-wheel-drive model.

The 128i is based on the existing M Sport specification but features unique visual and trim cues that set it apart. A full sport body kit is supplemented by the air intakes and front apron from the M135i, with red trim on the intakes. Eighteen-inch bi-colour alloy wheels are unique to the 128ti and the side sills get specific “ti” badging, while a variety of high-gloss elements contrast the one of four exterior colours and “black chrome” finishes to exterior trim.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Inside, red accents run throughout the cabin with large red elements on the standard M Sport seats and contrast stitching on the steering wheel, doors and mats. A large ti logo is stitched into the central armrest.

Standard specification includes a 10.25-inch media/navigation screen, folding mirrors, heated seats and cabin ambient lighting while a 9.2-inch head-up display and power tailgate are among the optional extras.

(Photo: BMW)

Related topics: