After an absence of more than 20 years, the famous ‘ti’ badge returns to the BMW family in the form of a 1 Series 3 Door Hatch - the new BMW 128ti. The BMW ‘ti’ badge has previously been reserved for the 3 Series models including the 318ti, 316ti and 323ti.
The BMW ti badge is designed to deliver exhilarating driving enjoyment across its models - some may remember this from the 318ti - it had the same 1.9-litre engine as the 318, but a 16-valve head and 140bhp, enough to give it a 0-60 time of little over nine seconds.
A torquey and responsive engine with the five-speed manual gearbox made it a rapid car to drive off its time, and now the legendary BMW ti badge has returned to become the smallest model in the BMW range. The BMW 1 Series is now in its fourth generation, which shows just how popular this model has been. So if you are looking for a sporty but practical car, then the 128 ti could be perfect for you.
265hp, a 2.0-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology
With a 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 155mph, the BMW 128 ti is definitely sporty! However, despite this strong performance, the 128ti returns combined fuel consumption of 44.1 – 46.3mpg and emits only 148-139g/km of CO2
The 18-inch bi-colour light-alloy wheels are exclusive to the BMW 128ti and can be specified with sport tyres or 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels are optionally available.
8 Speed Steptronic Sport transmission
Like the BMW M135i xDrive, the BMW 128ti is fitted as standard with the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. Fast automatic gear changes ensure the highest possible gear is always engaged. Shift paddles on the steering wheel also allow the driver to change gear manually at any point.
Lightweight, Parts enhance, improved aerodynamics and sporty exterior styling
With an M Sport Specification as standard plus lightweight parts in new carbon-fibre look and high-gloss black components further enhance the sporting appearance of the BMW 128ti.
The front splitter, the rear diffuser and the roof-edge spoiler aid with air through-flow and optimise aerodynamics whilst adding to the sporty feel.
A sporty interior
An M Performance steering wheel, complete with Alcantara covering, adds to the race car feel of the BMW 128ti interior. For even more sportiness, there is the M Performance Steering wheel cover in carbon fibre/Alcantara or carbon fibre/leather with M Performance lettering, plus M Performance Shift paddles in carbon fibre to operate the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
M Sport seats are optionally available in perforated Dakota leather – in Black or in Magma Red with grey accents.
The display screen with gesture control is also available and a 9.2‑inch BMW Head-Up Display can be specified as options. Folding Mirrors, Heated Seats and cabin Ambient Lighting are also included as standard.
The new BMW 128ti is due for launch in November 2020 and will be priced from £32,995 OTR.
