The BMW 128ti is a true Golf GTI destroyer.

The BMW 128ti is the luxury brands first ever fwd hot hatch… and no one knows about it! This thing is a Mk8 GTI killer, and in todays review I’m going to show you why!

Skip Ahead:
Intro 00:00
Exterior 01:29
Exhaust Sounds: 04:25
Interior 05:34
Infotainment 06:32
Rear Seats 09:00
Practicality 09:58
Specs and Engine 10:50
0-100 km/h 11:55
On the Road 12:52
Verdict 17:05

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#bmw #128ti #review

[johnfranklin]

I've had my 128ti for 9 months. I got the Melbourne red metallic, and kept it on the standard 18inch wheels as seen in the video. I had a mk7.5 Golf GTI Performance DSG for three years before the 128ti. The BMW is quicker, and has sharper handling by some margin. The car feels like a higher quality item compared to the VW, especially the interior and ability of the suspension not to crash over the many potholes on UK roads. However, the ride is noticeably firmer than the Golf's. This makes for a more fidgety ride, but flatter cornering. Happily, the 128ti is also markedly more economical than the GTI. Even on the cursed E10 petrol! So, with fuel prices rising so high, it's a small consolation to get over 45mpg (5.2l/100km) on a boring commute in Eco Pro mode. Overall, I am pleased I went with the BMW 128ti instead of the mk8 Golf GTI with it's plasticky, touch screen, haptic button hellscape of an interior.

[johnfranklin]

Just spotted the power and torque are down on the UK version. My 128ti has 265ps and 400nm. No idea why there is a difference between markets. I noticed that the 128ti also has only 245ps and 380nm in South America.

Also, 100% agree on the Pirelli PZeros. I ticked the performance tyre option after seeing many Youtube reviews showing Michelin PS4's. The BMW chat on their website also promised PS4's. But, my car came with PZeros, and they are distinctly average. Not even as good as the Michelin Primacy's I had on my mk7.5 Golf GTI :-(

[hristoroussenov]

Car is really cool, no doubt about that at all, but what I am really impressed is the presenter - over three large continents away from me, i am lucky to find a guy that looks like me, talks like me, acts like me and has a stunning sense of humor and an unique way to bring things to the audience. Way to go, keep it always so bright and entertaining. Thanks for the beautiful moments!!

[robertceroli]

These are better value for money than vw golf GTI who would have thought the ultimate driving machine turns out to be ultimate bang for buck performance hot hatch

[adams]

Great review Matt, I recently upgraded from a highly modified late Gti Mk7 to a Melbourne red /black highlights 128ti with 19 inch wheels, simply as it is a more mature hot hatch. Especially now I’m in my 50s 😆. Very firm ride with the 19 inch wheels though.

[CRLD]

Make sure you drop tyre pressures to 34/29. Your torque steer will improve and so will your tyre wear. Makes a massive difference

[CRLD]

The pzero pz4 and MPS4 are the performance tyre choice. You chose that option and it can come with either. Standard tyres are Bridgestone.

[leonted]

Now I can't get that Tourismo Internationale out of my head 😂😂

[antonhrastovcak]

I’ve been waiting for this review for a while and it’s finally here!! Great car review Matt!!

[rebeccaw]

“Backpack for scale”😂😂. Great parody of other car reviewers, well done👏👏

[TasimanaOG]

hey matt would you rather have this car or a M135i x drive / x2 m35i x drive?

[derekwhyle]

When I get to any review that is more concerned with how the exhaust sounds outside, rather than how subdued it is inside, I realise it’s not for my generation

[donnapritchard]

I picked mine up 3 weeks ago. I got the black with the red accents.

[kev]

Do u think this BMW is better than the i30N?

[tidls]

I guess I'm one of those waawaa RWD "fanatics"? Although, my journey might be somewhat different to other RWD waawaa, fanatics. I've up until recently exclusively owned and driven FWD cars. The change wasn't immediate. I started off gently. From FWD, to AWD (XDrive 530d) to an RWD 2019 120i. And, I must say, I've been missing out. RWD fits me so much more. Driving a RWD is easily more fun.

[antonhrastovcak]

Matt, can you please do a review on a Vw Polo GTI top spec?!
Love your reviews and need a good review of one of thought cars!!!

[timcollins]

I am one of those who rues the day BMW departed from their rear wheel drive platforms and started cheapening the brand (no pun intended). Until I sold my M3 last year, there had always been a BMW in my garage since 1982 when I was 19. But the dreadful looks of the modern M cars and ridiculous grilles across the range means I have left BMW forever, unless I buy a classic one day. Does the right hand exhaust work? It looks blocked? This looks so much like a Hyundai that I would rather have the real i30 N Manual for me, hope to be pulling the trigger soon.

[hsk]

Great review Matt! I agree with nearly all of what you said and I almost bought one of these for the missus. She had other ideas though 😅

[AlpineGABE]

Fab review and camera angles :) Mine arrives in 3 weeks!

[harrydekhengst]

Haha funny guy, i have a 2021 plate with 19inch.greetz from holland