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BMW, Executive, Manufacturer, Motoring news

BMW’s iconic badge returns

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  • The famed ‘ti’ badge returns to the BMW range. 
  • Designed to deliver exhilarating driving enjoyment. 
  • M Sport specification as standard. 
  • 265hp petrol engine with BMW TwinPower turbo technology. 
  • Torsen limited-slip differential and bespoke M Sport suspension. 
  • Exclusive accents contribute to striking appearance and sporty interior. 
  • November 2020 launch, priced from £32,995 OTR.

The interior of the BMW 128ti features high-class materials, with red accents throughout creating a bold contrast to the black headlining. A large ‘Race Red’ surface adorns the front centre sections of the standard Sensatec/cloth sport seats. A red ‘ti’ is stitched into the centre armrest which – like the door armrests, the door panels, the instrument panel and floor mat edging – also features red contrast stitching. The steering wheel rim and airbag cover of the standard M Sport steering wheel also feature red stitching. Standard equipment also includes the M door sill strips on the front door openings, and M seat belts. Boston backlit trim strips are standard whilst the Berlin trim is available as an alternative.



Perforated Dakota leather and M Sport seats available as options
The M Sport seats are optionally available in perforated Dakota leather – in Black or in Magma Red with grey accents. If the latter is chosen, the contrast stitching and ‘ti’ badge are in grey and the floor mats have stitching in the BMW M colours.

The infotainment features of BMW Operating System 7.0 are accessed via a display screen of up to 10.25 inches with the optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional. Gesture control is also available and a 9.2‑inch BMW Head-Up Display can be specified as options. The load compartment has a capacity of 380 litres, rising to 1,200 litres with the rear seat folded. Electric tailgate operation is also optionally available. Folding Mirrors, Heated Seats and cabin Ambient Lighting are also included as standard.

Bespoke, lowered M Sport suspension
The new BMW 128ti is available exclusively with specially tuned, bespoke M Sport suspension. It has the firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts from the range‑topping BMW M135i xDrive, plus stiffer modified springs and shock absorbers – it’s also10mm lower. This, combined with a model-specific steering setup that has been designed to further minimise torque steer, results is even sharper driving dynamics. A weight saving of around 80kg over the all-wheel-drive BMW M135i xDrive contributes to the sporting performance of the BMW 128ti.

Torsen limited-slip differential for improved traction
The BMW 128ti is equipped with the same Torsen limited-slip differential as the BMW M135i xDrive. As well as increasing traction, agility and stability, the limited-slip differential also gives the car excellent cornering ability.

If the inside wheel loses grip while powering through a bend and the driver accelerates at the same time, the limited-slip differential directs more torque to the wheel with greater grip, thereby preventing wheel slip and enhancing traction and agility.

BMW Performance Control and ARB technology
The mechanical limited-slip differential is assisted by several electronic control systems. One system that has been specially modified for the BMW 128ti is BMW Performance Control, whose ‘sharper’ yaw moment distribution boosts rear axle agility. ARB (near-actuator wheel slip limitation) technology is also utilised, as it is on all models in the BMW 1 Series range. This newly developed traction control system, that made its combustion-engine debut on the 1 Series, features a slip controller positioned directly in the engine control unit rather than in the control unit for the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system, enabling ARB to work ten times faster. As a result, not only is operation smoother and more sensitive, the system can also make maximum use of the potential traction offered by different road surfaces. The ARB technology works with DSC to significantly reduce the power understeer that can affect front-wheel-drive cars.

Standard M Sport brakes and sport tyres
As in the BMW M135i xDrive, the BMW 128ti is fitted with M Sport brakes, which provide increased fade resistance and exceptional feel. The front callipers bear the M logo and are painted red (a first for a BMW 1 Series model). The front brakes consist of aluminium four‑piston monoblock fixed callipers and 360mm x 30mm inner-vented discs, while floating callipers with inner-vented brake discs measuring 300mm x 20mm are at the rear.

The 18-inch Y-spoke 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels exclusively fitted on the BMW 128ti can be specified with sport tyres (Michelin Pilot Sport 4) in 225/40 R18 format as a no-cost option.

The 19-inch double-spoke 552 M light-alloy wheel with 235/35 R19 tyres is also optionally available.

265hp, 2.0-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology
The engine in the BMW 128ti is a direct offshoot of the BMW Group’s most powerful four-cylinder unit. The 2.0-litre engine was modified with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and produces 265hp from 4,750-6,500rpm. Peak torque of 400Nm is available from 1,750-4,500rpm. The BMW 128ti can sprint from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 155mph. Despite this strong performance, the 128ti returns combined fuel consumption of 44.1 – 46.3mpg* and emits only 148-139g/km of CO2*. This enables it to meet the Euro 6d exhaust standard. The standard Active Sound Design (ASD) ensures the driver can enjoy a distinctive engine sound in the cabin without any increase in external noise.

Lightweight M Performance Parts enhance aerodynamics and exterior stylingCustomers can personalise the new BMW 128ti with accessories from the exclusive M Performance Parts range, which has been developed with the expertise of BMW M GmbH .

Various lightweight parts in new carbon-fibre look and High-gloss Black components further enhance the sporting appearance of the BMW 128ti. The M Performance front splitter, the rear diffuser and the roof-edge spoiler with air through-flow and the aero flics in High-gloss Black optimise aerodynamics. These M Performance Parts have been developed specifically for the BMW 1 Series and adapted in the wind tunnel to work together perfectly. The hand-made, high-quality carbon-fibre components that also include M Performance exterior mirror caps are sealed with clear coat and given a high-gloss polished finish. 18-inch forged wheel Y-Spoke 711 M in Ferric Grey and the 19-inch M Performance bi‑colour light-alloy wheel Double-spoke 555 M with polished finish are optionally available.

The M Performance steering wheel, complete with Alcantara covering, large thumb rests, red marking in the 12 o’clock position and silver-grey hand cross-stitching adds to the race car feel of the BMW 128ti interior. For even more sportiness, there is the M Performance Steering wheel cover in carbon fibre/Alcantara or carbon fibre/leather with M Performance lettering, plus M Performance Shift paddles in carbon fibre to operate the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

MACFIVENEWS‘TI’, BMW, M SPORTEDIT

AWD, Manufacturer, Mitsubishi, Motors, MPV, Vehicle type

Another Outlandish success

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Mitsubishi Outlander

By Bill McCarthy

It’s an old saying, but remains true. If it ain’t broke, don’t mend it. Having said that, there is always room for improvement.

First launched in the UK in 2014 to stunning sales success, the plug-in hybrid version (PHEV) of the Outlander remains the best-selling plug-in vehicle in the UK.

While the costs of the hybrid or plug-in may be prohibitive to some, there is now an alternative. The new two litre petrol version, which still  has plenty to offer.

Updated this year, the range looks sleeker than ever, for a 4×4, with new grille, spoiler, bumpers, LED headlights and front and rear bumper.

There are two versions, the Design, driven here and the Exceed. Both offer seven seats and the ever-reliable switchable four wheel drive mode while there is a host of standard kit on this model, including auto lights and wipers, cruise control, eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, keyless entry and start, a rear-view camera and rear privacy glass.

It looks the part with its latest ‘Dynamic Shield’ front styling and sleek and stylish profile with LED headlamps, daytime running lights flanking a sleek radiator grille and front bumper and new 18-inch alloy wheels.

The interior too has a classy new look with a simple but easy to use dashboard and better quality fit and finish throughout.

 The dash is dominated by the touchscreen which  controls functions like infotainment and connectivity. As there is no sat nav, there is also the option of plugging in your smartphone to display Google maps on the screen.

You can also use Siri or the touch screen to get directions optimised for traffic conditions, make and receive calls, access text messages and listen to music. 

 An electronic handbrake is positioned on the centre console along with the 4WD mode selector and switches for the heated front seats.

The interior is light and spacious with plenty of space for five with slightly less room for the rearmost two seats and a large boot area of 781 litres with those seats folded away. This opens up to a cavernous 1,608 litres, with the middle row folded and there are plenty of other pockets, cubbyholes and throughout

Also new for the 2020 model is the addition of a Red Diamond paint option, a semi-transparent coating incorporating mica flakes, to give an even more upmarket finish.

On the road the 150ps petrol engine has to work hard to pull the big seven seater. Mated to a CVT transmission it hits the 60mph mark in fairly pedestrian 13.3 seconds.

But that should be plenty for most people who drive this kind of car and while it cannot match the electric power of its siblings for economy, mpg is pretty respectable, although CO2 emissions remain high.

The system comprises three driving modes, ‘4WD Eco’, ‘4WD Auto’ and ‘4WD Lock’.

Most of the time ‘4WD Eco’ mode powers the car through the two front wheels, but when road conditions demand it, the system intelligently transmits the driving force to the rear wheels as well for better economy. Go off road and select 4WDAuto, for better traction and for more serious off-roading, the 4WD Lock high traction mode can be locked in for tougher terrains.

On the road, the ride and handling are more than acceptable for the size of car, will little evidence of wallowing on corners. It is a quiet cruiser and while the 150PS engine may struggle with a full complement of occupants, cruising on the motorway is not problematic and a quiet and comfortable experience.

As you would expect with a near £30k vehicle, it is packed with safety kit including larger front brake discs,  seven airbags, including driver’s side knee airbag, traction and stability control, hill start, brake assist and emergency stop signal,  to earn a five-star NCAP safety rating.

Not as super efficient as the PHEV, it is substantially cheaper, offers the same practicality and looks better than ever.

Factfile

Mitsubishi Outlander Design 2.0 litre

Price: £29,410

Mechanical: 150PS, 1998cc, four cylinder petrol engine and electric motors driving all wheels via CVT auto gearbox

Max speed: 118mph

0-60mph: 13.3 seconds

Combined mpg: 32.5 (WLTP)

Insurance group: 21E

CO2 emissions: 196 g/km

Warranty: 5yrs/62,000 miles