BMW 128ti at Golf R, not GTI money

The 2021 BMW 128ti will split the gaping $18,000 hole in the 1 Series line-up when the new front-drive hot hatch arrives in the first quarter of next year priced from $56,900 plus on-road costs.

This bridges the gap between the entry-level BMW 118i (from $46,990) and the all-wheel drive BMW M135i xDrive Pure (from $64,990), but does not hand the German premium brand what was originally touted as a model muscling in on the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST and Hyundai i30 N.

These high-profile mainstream performance hatches are priced around the $45K mark, leaving the BMW 128ti more in Volkswagen Golf R territory, and with an engine that is also not quite as hot as originally anticipated.

That’s because BMW Australia is only bringing in the detuned 180kW/380Nm version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, not the 195kW/400Nm unit available overseas which is itself a rung down from what is offered in the M135i (225kW/450Nm).

For reference, the current Volkswagen Golf GTI produces 180kW/370Nm (or 213kW/350Nm in TCR spec) and will stick with this output in the new-generation Mk8 series which arrives Down Under in April 2021, just weeks after the BMW 128ti.

Drive in the 128ti is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, enabling 0-100km/h acceleration in 6.3 seconds – 1.5 seconds behind the M135i. Top speed is 243km/h.

Reviving the ‘Turismo Internazionale’ badge that first appeared on the BMW 1800 TI back in 1963, the headline acts on the 2021 BMW 128ti include a unique tune for the M Sport suspension (making it 10mm lower), a Torsen limited-slip differential, firmer anti-roll bars and a weight saving of around 80kg compared to the M135i, which BMW says delivers “an agile and focused driving experience”.

BMW also claims the 128ti’s dynamic stability control can work 10 times faster, thanks to new ARB (near-actuator wheel slip limitation) technology. It also helps reduce power understeer, according to the car-maker.

M Sport brakes provide stopping power, with red-painted callipers all round and the front pair sporting an M logo.

On top of those, the 128ti rides on 18-inch M bi-colour light alloy wheels (larger 19s can be optioned).

There are a few other key exterior features to set the hatchback apart, such as gloss black highlights (front and rear aprons and air intakes) and trim elements, as well as ‘ti’ badging on the side skirts.

There’s also an M rear spoiler, adaptive LED headlights with high beam assist, a chrome ‘128ti’ badge on the tailgate and twin exhaust pipes.

Inside, the Australian-spec model will feature an M steering wheel with red stitching, M seatbelts, velour floor mats with red accents, dual-zone climate control, electric-adjust seats and more.

Options include a $3000 Enhancement Package (metallic paint, panoramic glass roof and adaptive cruise control) and a $3700 Enhancement Package (BMW Individual Storm Bay metallic paint, panoramic glass roof and adaptive cruise control).

BMW will also offer a $1300 Convenience Package, which includes an electric tailgate, boot storage net and a through loading system, as well as a $1023 Comfort Package that covers heated seats and steering wheel and lumbar support for both front passengers.

Exterior paint options include Alpine White and five metallic colours: Black Sapphire, Melbourne Red, Mineral Grey, Misano Blue and Storm Bay.