In order to compete with the latest Volkswagen Golf GTI, BMW is working on a new version of 1 series hatchback which is called 128ti and it will stand underneath the range-topping BMW M135i xDrive.
The BMW 128ti uses a 2-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine under the hood that can produce 261 hp. Power transmitted to front wheels with an 8-speed automatic transmission and the Torsen limited-slip differential. as a result, the new hot hatch can hit 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.
BMW also improved the suspension and steering system to make the 128ti sportier than a regular 1 series hatchback. The tuned suspension is 10 mm lower than the standard one series and it is even stiffer than the M135i. The 128ti also benefits M Sport brakes and it is 80 kg lighter than the BMW M135i xDrive.
As the brand’s first front-wheel-drive hot hatch BMW is going to launch the 128ti in Europe to compete against the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Renault Megane RS, Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus RS. The pricing details has unfortunately not released yet.