2021 BMW 128ti revealed as the brand’s first FWD hot hatchback

KUALA LUMPUR: After more than 20 years, BMW brings back the ‘Touring Internationale’ badge for its new hot hatch that slots a step below the M135i xDrive in the 1 Series lineup. Dubbed as 128ti, the new trim is the brand’s first front-wheel-drive hatchback that will go head to head against the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

While specifications for the 2021 BMW 128ti were shared last month, BMW has now unmasked its conspicuous styling cues. The supermini gets red highlights across the white bodywork and there are black flashes on the blue and red body paints. A matching 'ti' decal is positioned ahead of the rear wheel arch.

The car’s sporty theme continues inside also, where it features red racing stripes on the seats, embroidered 'ti' letters on the centre armrest, and red stitching across the door panels, instrument panel as well as the steering wheel.

Powering the upcoming BMW 128ti is the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot gasoline engine as the M135i. However, the mill is differently tuned for the new trim that results in power and torque fall to 261 horsepower and 400 Nm respectively, which means 40 hp and 50 Nm less than the all-wheel-drive version. In contrast, the latest Golf GTI offers 241 hp and 370 Nm. 

The engine is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport gearbox driving the front wheels, that allows the hatch to hit 100 kmph mark in just 5.1 seconds and manage a top speed of 250 kmph.

Other performance-focused modifications of the BMW 128ti include a specially tuned M Sport suspension system (with a 10 mm reduction in ride height) and a Torsen limited-slip differential. A pair of performance brakes have also been included, measuring 360 mm upfront and 300 mm at the back, fastened by four- and single-piston brake calipers respectively. The supermini rides on exclusive 18-inch Y-spoked M bi-color alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

The 2021 BMW 128ti is slated to go on sale in Europe next month at a price starting from €41,574 (equal to RM 203,102).

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