To close out my change from the GTI TCR to 128Ti a final comparison review.
Clocked over 2500 miles in the 128Ti now through all the driving modes, from the day to day, right through to the spirited, and all on roads that previous cars travelled on, and so feel can state with some certainty how it stacks up now against the GTI TCR which is pretty close to where the 128Ti is pitched against.
Would give the GTI TCR 9/10 and the 128Ti 7.5/10
The GTI TCR is obviously borne from the 2013 cabin design but did have the latest media and driver display and some nice Alcantara touches, and bespoke designs, it was a nice place to sit, and the BMW, being a 2019 design is similarly as really nice place to be, and the media system and interaction is exceptionally good. Would say its marginally the 128Ti that wins due to large clear screen and slick media, with seamless, wireless Apple Play. But it’s closer than thought would be.
There is some personal dislikes, not really bonded yet with the fly by wire gear selection, still finding myself checking what selecting and just not fluid with it, which imagine would be same struggle in a MK 8, and the auto hold is not as seamless as the GTI TCR, it can be mildly jerky at times,
Love the heated steering wheel, been huge plus this winter, and the auto park has grown on me, use it for tight parks, and then adjust last bit myself, though if in a hurry, you do it yourself! Its way too slow if anyone is waiting on you.
Do not quite walk up to the 128Ti with the loving eyes of the GTI TCR, as think that was kitted out superbly in the Pure Grey, Reifnitz with Akra tips, but the 128Ti does have its own admirable stance, and the signature alloys are really nice design, with the red elements of brake caliper (a first for BMW) and red accents, with the Ti, making it stand out as something different.
Build quality on 128Ti is superb, good quality materials, nothing moves, no squeaks whatsoever, but again, the GTI TCR was similar, so the BMW may shade it, but again marginally.
The GTI however wins hands down in the handling and drive, there is a little aloofness to the handling of the 128Ti, with some evident torque steer, and you feel that you are sitting a lot higher, and even though the suspension is passive, and expectation was for it to be desirably firm, it feels close to the DCC comfort setting for the GTI.
Find the gearbox too smooth and linear, both up and down the gears, which suppose is a positive to how well it manages the gears, but particularly on braking, quite like to feel the gears shifting down ala the DSG,.
Its super quick though, feels no slower than the TCR in straight line, it really goes! and in town handling is super smooth and quick, so it does have some short burst engagement, but open up on a winding stretch and that ride, in height and softness and slight aloofness in steer becomes evident and is the mark and a half detraction.
So, for the large majority of the time, where want to poodle around with everyone else in comfort, the 128Ti is a 9/10 car, my wife loves it for that aspect, it feels premium and ride is comfort, but for me, that goes against it at the times I want it to convert to something edgier, as its marginally too soft in steering and the ride. GTI TCR was 2 cars in I and the 128Ti is 1 ¾ cars in I
In summary, BMW have done a really good job at a GTI, the 128Ti is a great car, with lots to like, not least the premium cabin and media, but they just need to sharpen up its ride and steering for a winding stretch to take it up into the 9/10 range from the 7.5 giving it now.
