BMW has a long and proud tradition of producing rear-wheel-drive sportscars. For decades it was an integral part of the company’s marketing shpiel. But trends change and, for the most part, buyers haven’t much idea of what’s happening under their bottoms (not Double Apex readers, because you’re proper petrolheads). The most recent 1 Series range has spawned an all-wheel-drive performance halo called the M135i and today the BMW 128ti was launched as a front-wheel-drive alternative.

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“TI” (later “ti”) stands for “Turismo Internazionale”. BMW used the badge to earmark sporty models in its line-up. Cars to carry the letters included the BMW 1800 TI and BMW 2002 TI and more recently the BMW 323ti Compact and BMW 325ti Compact. The new addition to the line-up will be introduced to the SA market early next year.

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Turbo power and uprated suspension

The BMW 128ti is powered by a 2,0-litre turbocharged engine that develops 195 kW along with 400 N.m of torque. BMW’s four-pot motor is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. The transmission features a Torsen limited-slip differential. BMW says the 128ti can complete the benchmark 0-100 km/h sprint in 6,1 seconds. At this power level the 128ti goes head-to-head with performance hot hatches such as the upcoming Golf 8 GTI, Honda Civic Type R and Hyundai’s i30N.

Read our BMW 118i driving review here.

To keep up with rivals through the curvy bits the BMW 128ti has the same firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts as its M135i sibling. Stiffer springs and revised dampers have also been adopted. An M Sport braking system is standard fitment behind 18-inch, model-specific light-alloy wheels.

Bespoke appearance

Helping to set the BMW 128ti apart from its lower-powered siblings.  Ti specific covers and trim mouldings, side skirts and a “ti” badge ahead of the rear wheels in a sporting red colour are some of the changes. The interior also contains red accents, including a large red surface in the backrests of the standard sport seats, an embroidered “ti” badge in the central armrest and contrast stitching in the other armrests, door panels and instrument panels. The steering wheel rim and airbag cover in the M Sport steering wheel feature red stitching.