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After a preview last month, BMW officially brings back the Turismo Internazionale badge. First used in the 1960s for the 1800 TI, the suffix was later applied to the 2000TI and 2002TI models before BMW switched to lower case letters for the more recent 323ti Compact and 325ti Compact from the 1990s.
Unlike its predecessors, the new 128ti sends its power to the front wheels and borrows some of the improvements used by the flagship M135i xDrive. Examples include the automatic gearbox, firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar brackets, M sport brakes and, most importantly, a detuned version of the same turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine.
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The four-cylinder engine produces 262 horsepower (195 kilowatts) and 400 Newton-meters (295 pound-feet) of torque. It’s enough Bavarian muscle for a 0 to 62 mph (100 km / h) time in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km / h). Purists will be disappointed to hear that the BMW 128ti is offered exclusively with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport gearbox without the option of a third pedal.
Another “feature” that enthusiasts probably won’t like is the spurious engine noise. BMW’s first FWD hot hatch emits artificially enhanced engine noise to enable an “exciting and sports-rich listening experience for the driver.”
Offered exclusively in a FWD design, the hot hatch is BMW’s answer to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, specifically the upcoming GTI TCR. It features an M Sport suspension that lowers ride height by 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) to improve handling and is equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential for better traction.
Then there are the visual tweaks, ranging from a more aggressive body kit and a blacked out kidney grille to the retro “ti” decal and red accents inside and out. Two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels are exclusive to the 128ti and can optionally be clad with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires at no additional cost. BMW also applies a dark look to the headlights and gives the side mirror housings a similar finish to further spruce up the model. An optional 19-inch wheel set is available.
The new 128ti will be available in Europe starting next month and will cost € 41,574 in its German home market.
