Celebrating the launch of the 128ti in the United Kingdom, BMW has released a generous image gallery that portrays its first-ever front-wheel drive hot hatch in different environments. A more premium alternative to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the 128ti packs BMW Group’s familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, albeit with 261 HP and 400 Nm of torque in Europe, and 241 HP and 380 Nm in Australia.
The thrust is channeled to the front
wheels exclusive through an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, for a 0-100 km/h of 5.1 seconds and a 250 km/h top speed. The
Aussie variant is 1.2 seconds slower to 62 mph and can keep going up to 243 km/h. Things such as the M Sport suspension and M Sport brakes are also
included.
You will have to keep an eye open for the
‘ti’ badge at the back, black kidney grille and side mirror casings, unique
trim for the side skirts and custom 18-inch wheels with a Y-spoke design, shod
in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, in order to tell it apart from the rest of the
new 1-Series hatchback family.
The ‘ti’ badge is also embroidered in the
central armrest, and other highlights include the contrast stitching,
cloth/sensatec upholstery, head-up display, infotainment system, two-zone
climate control and others.
In the United Kingdom, pricing for the
128ti is set at £ 33,320 (US$ 46,129), £ 190 (US$ 263) less than the
Volkswagen Golf GTI, which packs a 242 HP and 370 Nm 2.0-liter
four-pot mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
