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Old 09-18-2020, 06:49 AM   #1
AVANTI R5
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Default BMW 128ti Rival Golf GTI, FWD Not Sold USA

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BMW's Golf GTI Rival Takes Shape

The BMW 128ti is baying for Golf GTI blood.

Aside from the BMW i3, the US has never received a BMW hatchback. While the rest of the world got three- and five-door versions of the 1 Series hatchback, here in the States, we only got the 1 Series Coupe. This wasn't a bad thing, as the 1 Series, and now the 2 Series Coupe as it has become known, are phenomenal cars in their own rights. But there's a new piece of forbidden fruit from BMW, as the luxury automaker has revealed images of a new hot hatch undergoing final testing at the Nurburgring. The BMW 128ti is out for Golf GTI blood, packing a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine developing 265 horsepower with twist sent to the front wheel.

It isn't the most potent 1 Series money can buy, as foreign markets receive an all-wheel-drive M135i xDrive with 301 hp on tap that rivals the Audi S3 and Mercedes-AMG A35 and is mechanically identical to the US market 2 Series Gran Coupe. This is, however, the first time BMW will be targeting the Golf GTI, and the headline figures look impressive.

he 265-hp output is channeled via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a Torsen limited-slip differential; unlike the GTI, there is no manual version available. BMW cites a 0 to 62 mph time of just 6.1 seconds for the 128ti, but the focus here isn't on outright acceleration.

The steering and suspension have been exclusively tuned for performance, making it sportier and more driver-oriented, unlike the M135i xDrive which is simply a much quicker 1 Series with added fire. It's up to 176 lbs lighter than the M135i and rides 10 mm lower to the tarmac. M Sport brakes ensure supreme stopping power.

The 128ti will also benefit from unique interior and exterior design cues, all of which culminates in a vehicle aimed at a younger audience. That audience won't be found in America, however, as BMW still has no plans to bring the 1 Series stateside.

It may be a missed opportunity, however, as the hot hatch segment is now dwindling in the US. With the demise of the Ford Focus and Fiesta, both ST variants have been culled. At present, only the Honda Civic Type R and Hyundai Veloster N vie for consumer attention in the segment. The Golf GTI carries over to 2021 in its seventh generation form, but an all-new model will arrive for 2022 with 242 hp sent to the front wheels through a manual or DSG gearbox. When it does arrive, it'll be less focused than the Veloster and Civic Type R, so the BMW 128ti could be just the competition the VW needs.
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Old 09-18-2020, 09:24 AM   #2
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That just looks stupid.
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Old 09-18-2020, 11:29 AM   #3
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bmw's modern styling just doesn't go well on smaller cars... they need to learn how to scale.
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Old 09-18-2020, 11:10 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by dwf137 View Post
bmw's modern styling just doesn't go well on smaller cars... they need to learn how to scale.
I lowkey kinda hope these new big grille BMW's as they come out *immediately* start languishing on dealer lots and force early (like one year) redesigned refreshes.
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Old 09-19-2020, 02:43 AM   #5
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The target audience is just gonna put on an Audi grille anyway.
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Old 09-19-2020, 10:38 AM   #6
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This is great for those buyers who like the GTI, but would prefer it be ugly and $10k more.
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Old 09-19-2020, 02:48 PM   #7
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bmw's modern styling just doesn't go well on smaller cars... they need to learn how to scale.
They know how to scale.. just look at what they did to MINI.
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Old 10-12-2020, 07:06 AM   #8
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2021 BMW 128ti

What makes the 2021 BMW 128ti special?

Design cues from M135i xDrive
Red body accents
Red interior detailing
2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
261 horsepower
295 pound-feet of torque
0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds
Top speed of 155 mph
FWD only
Suspension components from M135i
left right

Styling-wise, the 128i looks a lot like the range-topping M135i xDrive. It features a similar front bumper with a wide bumper vent and vertical air curtains, as well as a black kidney grille. But while it features the gloss-black finish of the M135i, the grille is far from identical. Specifically, it doesn’t borrow the unique design of the M-spec model, featuring the regular vertical slats instead. To set it apart from other 1 Series models, BMW added red accents around the vertical air curtains.

We can spot the same red accents around the sides, in the side skirt area.

The heavily sculpted sills, also borrowed from the M135i, also feature "ti" decals in red toward the rear wheels.


There are no red accents around back, but the black exhaust pipes are larger than the regular 1 Series, so you’ll know it’s a special model.

If you like the red accents, which are actually very cool, even when compared to the blacked-out M135 model, you should know that their not available on all body colors. If you opt for the flashy Melbourne Red or Misano Blue paint, the red accents in the front become black, while the side sills and "ti" decals are changed to body color. If you like a more subdued look, you have the option to delete all contrasting features, as well as the "ti" decals.



2021 BMW 128ti Interior
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Step inside and you'll find the same red accents on the standard sports seats.

There’s red stitching on the beefed-up bolsters and the headrests, as well as a red pattern on the seatbacks. The armrests, the door panels the dashboard, and the steering wheel also include red contrast stitching and there’s also a red "ti" badge stitched into the center armrest. Everything else remains similar to lower trims like the 120i, but you have access to a long list of options like with any other 1 Series model.

2021 BMW 128ti Drivetrain

Under the hood of the 128ti lurks the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the 120i and the M135i xDrive, but with a different power rating.

Specifically, the turbocharged four-banger generates 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which places the 128ti right between the 120i and the M135i xDrive. That’s 85 horsepower more than the 120i model. Compared to the M135i xDrive, the 128ti falls behind by 41 horses and 37 pound-feet of twist, which isn’t all that much. However, while the M135i comes with an xDrive AWD system as standard, the 128ti is available with front-wheel drive only, which makes a big different on the performance front.

Down to the numbers, the 128ti hits 62 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is a notable 1.3 seconds slower than the M135i xDrive. But that’s also a full second quicker than the 120i trim, so you get to beat that model on the drag strip. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, identical to the M135 xDrive.

On top of being more powerful than other 1 Series models, the 128ti is also sportier thanks to a bunch of upgrades borrowed from the M135i xDrive. The hatchback is fitted with beefed-up anti-roll bars and stiffer springs and shocks, but it also comes with a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential for the front axle. The 18-inch wheels can be wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires at no extra cost for enhanced grip on the race track.

The 2021 BMW 128i is aimed at the VW Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST
-
This new trim enables the BMW to compete with popular performance hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Ford Focus ST.

The latest GTI also features a 2.0-liter turbo-four, rated at 242 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This means the Bimmer benefits from an extra 19 horses and 22 pound-feet of twist. The 128ti is also two tenths quicker from 0 to 62 mph, while top speed is identical at 155 mph. But while the Golf GTI is available with both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed DSG, the 128ti is restricted to an automatic gearbox only.



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The Ford Focus ST is fitted with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that shares components with the unit in the Ford Mustang. It cranks out 276 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, which puts it above the 128ti. Specifically, the Focus ST comes with an extra 15 horses and 15 pound-feet on tap. Although not much more powerful, the Focus ST is notably quicker to 62 mph, reaching the benchmark in 5.7 seconds, almost a half-second faster than the Bimmer. It tops out at 155 mph. Just like the Golf GTI, it’s available with both manual and automatic transmissions.

BMW 128ti vs Golf GTI vs Focus ST

BMW 128ti VW Golf GTI Ford Focus ST

Engine 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder

turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder

Horsepower 261 Horses 242 Horses 276 horses

Torque 295 pound-feet 273 pound-feet 310 pound-feet

0-62 mph 6.1 s 6.3 s 5.7 seconds

Top Speed 155 mph 155 mph 155 mph

How much does the 2021 BMW 128i cost?


U.S. pricing information is not yet available, but the new hatchback starts from €41,574 in Germany.

That’s a €7,262 premium over the 120i, but a solid €6,678 less than the M135i xDrive. Compared to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, priced from €37,607, the BMW 128ti commands a €3,967 premium. The Bimmer is also notably more expensive than the Focus ST, which retails from €30,674. The 128i is almost €11,000 more expensive.

BMW "ti" badge history

The "ti" badge is pretty iconic in BMW’s history, having been introduced for the first back in the 1960s. Short for Turismo Internazionale, the badge first appeared on the 1800 version of the New Class Sedan models in 1964. Known as the 1800 TI back then, it featured components developed by tuning company Alpina, now under BMW ownership, and a slightly more powerful engine. A homologation special called the 1800 TI/SA was also introduced in 1964 with an even more powerful engine and a performance-tuned chassis. BMW introduced the 2000TI in 1966 and the 2000tii (for touring international injected) in 1969. The 2000tii was BMW’s first fuel-injected model.

1970 BMW Alpina 2002ti High Resolution Exterior


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The "ti" badge was also used on the 02 Series, a range of compact cars developed from 1966 to 1977, also a predecessor to the 3 Series. Models included the 1600 TI, introduced in 1967, and the 2000 tii and 2002 tii, both launched in 1971. The 2002 tii paved the way to the iconic 2002 Turbo, the company’s first turbocharged production model.



The badge disappeared in the 1970s and returned in 1993 on the BMW 3 Series Compact. Essentially a shorter, hatchback version of the 3 Series, the Compact was BMW’s first hatchback since the 2002 Touring. Two ti models were built, the 318ti and 323ti. The latter was the most powerful of the range, featuring a 2.5-liter inline-six rated at 168 horsepower. When the hatchback was redesigned in 2000 on the E46 3 Series platform, all gasoline models gained "ti" badges. Power ranged from 114 horsepower in the base 316ti to 189 horses in the 325ti. The "ti" badge was dropped for the second time when the 3 Series Compact was discontinued in 2004.
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Old 10-12-2020, 08:19 AM   #9
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At least the interior looks cool.
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Old 10-12-2020, 12:00 PM   #10
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Back when I was younger I always wanted one of those 318ti's...

This is a modern version, with a little more utility due to 5-door style, but obviously unobtainable in the US.
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Old 10-12-2020, 12:56 PM   #11
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260hp and almost 300 pound feet of torque should yield a faster 0-60 time. I wonder if the 5-60 is commensurately slow?
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Old 10-12-2020, 03:31 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by dwf137 View Post
Back when I was younger I always wanted one of those 318ti's...

This is a modern version, with a little more utility due to 5-door style, but obviously unobtainable in the US.
Me too, they were a little awkward looking but I liked the idea of the 318ti. Way overpriced unfortunately. I ended up getting a used '95 325i sedan instead, which was awesome.

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Old 10-12-2020, 04:27 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by VarmintCong View Post
Me too, they were a little awkward looking but I liked the idea of the 318ti. Way overpriced unfortunately. I ended up getting a used '95 325i sedan instead, which was awesome.

I started looking for a used one... not many on the road any more. Could be a fun little project car and given the 4 seats I could still haul the kids around when needed. Drop in a M engine with some more power in that tiny little rwd hatch. The wheels are turning.
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Old 10-13-2020, 03:11 AM   #14
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Glad the US didn't get the E46 version of those 318ti models. Yuck. Would not be ashamed to own that white one with the M bits that was posted previously.
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Old 10-13-2020, 07:32 AM   #15
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Glad the US didn't get the E46 version of those 318ti models. Yuck. Would not be ashamed to own that white one with the M bits that was posted previously.
Yeah I remember I was excited to get the 2.5L six and then I saw it and was glad we didn't get it.

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Old 10-16-2020, 07:30 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by VarmintCong View Post
Yeah I remember I was excited to get the 2.5L six and then I saw it and was glad we didn't get it.

I was like "why is he saying glad we didn't get a E46 variant"... ... OOF.

Oh, that's why. Yeah, the C230 Kompressor hatch thingie easily beats that.
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Old 10-16-2020, 07:45 PM   #17
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