128ti a challenger for the GTI

PEOPLE are saying BMW’s new 128ti will be going head to head with the Golf GTI when it comes to Mzanzi later this year.

Taking their design pointers from the M135i xDrive, BMW added specific “ti” covers and trim moldings, side skirts and a “ti” badge ahead of the rear wheels in red.

The extended Shadowline trim comes standard with black grille and mirror caps while the interior gives you no doubt about it being a “ti”. Red accents including a large Race Red surface in the backrests of the sports seats, embroidered “ti” badging in the central armrest and contrast stitching in the other armrests while the steering wheel and airbag cover on the M Sport steering wheel are also stitched in red.

Under the bonnet sits a slightly detuned version of the BMW M135i xDrive four-cylinder 2.0 litre TwinPower Turbo technology mill which in the 128ti gives you 180kW and 380Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via BM’s brilliant eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with paddle shifters.

It will get to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds and even out at a limited 250km/h which is fast enough to be sure.

The standard M Sport suspension lowers the car by 10mm with stiffer springs and shocks and there’s also a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential as well as firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts with higher preload.

You can definitely feel the stiffer suspension even in comfort mode but it's not jarring and switching to sport tightens everything even further.

Accelerating hard into and out of corners there’s inevitably some torque steer but not disconcertingly so, but you will have to keep your hands firmly planted on the steering wheel if you intend to drive hard through lots of twisties.

The 128ti is priced at R687 418.

BMW’s new 128ti, which people are saying will be going head-to-head with the Golf GTI.