FORECOURT
Under the bonnet
BMW 128ti
BMW’s 128ti is looking to deliver lightweight performance but Jack Evans wants to know if it can rival key hot-hatch competitors. WHAT IS IT? The 128ti is focused on that link between driver and machine while being targeted at a rather well-known name in the business – Volkswagen’s Golf GTI. WHAT’S NEW? The change to front-driven wheels has caused quite a stir, while the performance-orientated M135i’s all-wheel-drive setup represents quite the departure from the norm. It’s ditched the four-wheel-drive layout but retains its 2.0-litre turbo plus firmer anti-roll bars and mounts. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? BMW has fiddled with the traction control system to ensure all the power can be put to the road. There’s no manual gearbox option, however, just BMW’s go-to eight-speed automatic. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The 128ti picks up speed remarkably, with a small amount of disruption sensed through the wheel as all that power gets sent to the front wheels. It’s not distracting but adds to the excitable character you get from the car in general. The steering is pleasantly weighted too while the suspension, though firm, does well to deal with the worst of the lumps and bumps on the road. It’s exciting to drive but also impressively settled on motorway stretches. HOW DOES IT LOOK? The 1 Series caused a bit of a commotion when first launched, but given BMW’s recent efforts it looks remarkably undercover these days. The ti gets some special treatment, too, with a distinct lack of chrome touches replaced by gloss black accents. The 18-inch wheels are unique to the model, too. There are go-faster red highlights alongside matching red ti badging at the rear wheelarch sections. The front air intakes receive red ‘blades’, too. This is no Honda Civic Type R when it comes to wild hot-hatch styling, but the 128ti’s design is distinctive enough to separate it from the crowd. It’s an attractive thing indeed without being too gaudy. WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? The 128ti’s interior is largely similar to that of a regular 1 Series, which means you get very good build quality backed up by high-end materials and solid ergonomics. The sports 30 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
The 128ti uses a 2.0-litre turbo engine and pumps out 261bhp and 400Nm of torque.
THE KNOWLEDGE BMW 128ti Price (as tested): £35,480 Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol Power: 261bhp Torque: 400Nm Max speed: 155mph O-60mph: 5.9 seconds MPG (combined): 44.1-46.3 Emissions: 148-139g/km CO2
