The one series is an all round great example of german engineering. BMW's latest installment of its second best selling model, shows just how great they are at making a real drivers car. With this car, BMW have revived the TI name which carries a long history of motorsport with it. It stands for turismo internazionale which was first given to their 1800 TI in 1963. This gives the car heriatage and a certain character compared to its brother the m135 which is designed to be subtle.

The 128ti sits comfortably inbetween the model range behind the "sportier" m135 and the more family orientated 118 and 120 models. Starting at £32,000 it may be may be cheaper than the m135 which starts at £37,000 but this makes it no less fun. Infact the contrary is the case. Due to the 4 wheel drive system which for most of the time is just front wheel anyway the m135 is notably heavier. This has a profound effect on the cars handling. With the ti you are able to throw it into corners more as it has a variable differential and it feels far more agile being 80kg lighter.

The 128ti is made for corners feeling nimble and very agile. Its 4 cylinder turbocharged unit produces a hearty 265hp and 400 nm of torque. By comparison the rival MK8 golf GTI comes 242hp and 370nm of torque and starts at £33,000. The interior has been majorly revamped from the previous generation of BMW's and comes with digital dash as standard. Interior quality is also miles ahead of the competition in that price category sporting red stitching and ambient lighting.