BMW 128ti to shake up affordable hot hatch segment in 2021

BMW is aiming to shake up the hot hatch segment in Australia next year with launch of the new 128ti, the successor to the previous 125i.

Joining the BMW 1 Series line-up from early 2021, the 128ti will slot in between the entry-level 118i and the range-topping M135i xDrive. The new addition to the 1 Series range also signifies the return of the “ti” badge, a designation conceived in the 1960s which stood for “Turismo Internazionale”. Since inception, the “ti” badge has been worn by particularly sporty members of the model range.

Rekindling the sporty nomenclature, the new 128ti promises new level of driver engagement with specially tuned M Sport suspension and Torsen limited-slip differential. Available exclusively in front-wheel-drive, the 128ti is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that develops 180kW and 380Nm. Paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, the standard 0-100km/h sprint is achieved in a brisk 6.3 seconds.

The requisite stopping power in the BMW 128ti is provided by the standard M Sport brakes, whose calipers bear the M logo at the front axle and are painted red, the latter marking a first for the 1 Series line-up.

The exclusive 18-inch Y-spoke bi-colour light-alloy wheels fitted on the 128ti can be specified with sport tyres in 225/40 R18 format as a no-cost option, while 19-inch double-spoke light-alloy wheels shod with 235/35 R19 tyres are optional.

Full pricing and specification of the BMW 128ti will be announced ahead of local introduction in early 2021.

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