Golf GTI-rivalling BMW 128ti hot hatch previewed

The Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI and a raft of other hot hatches from mainstream car brands will have a new rival this November when the BMW 128ti launches in Europe.

Coming to Australia from around February 2021, BMW has released pictures of lightly disguised mules on final shakedown drives and has revealed the new 128ti will be powered by a strong 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 195kW.

Created to sit below the flagship 225kW AWD BMW 135i xDrive, the new 128ti will be strictly front-drive and come equipped with a traction-boosting Torsen limited-slip differential that's combined with a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

A manual gearbox will not be available, but with the auto the BMW 128ti takes just 6.1 seconds to complete the 0-100km/h dash.

Developed to offer "extremely sporty and driver-oriented driving dynamics", the 128ti gets a bespoke chassis tune that sees it sit 10mm lower on stiffer springs than the M135i.

Other changes include thicker anti-roll bars and uprated M Sport brakes.

Weighing around 80kg less than the M135i, the 128ti promises more agile handling.

Rivalling not only VW's Golf GTI, but the Ford Focus ST and the Renault Megane RS, the BMW also gets unique styling with a restyled body kit to help differentiate it from the more powerful M135i.

According to the German car-maker, the new 128ti is only the third BMW in the brand’s history to feature the 'Turismo Internazionale' suffix, hinting it has reserved the famous 'ti' badge for something special.

On sale in Europe this November, sales of the BMW 128ti will arrive in Australia from around February 2021. Price and specification will be confirmed closer to its launch.