Which is better, the BMW 128ti or the Hyundai i30 N? We take a look at what each of these sporty compact models has to offer and pick the best buy for you.
The sports compact segment is one of the most interesting on the market due to its relationship between price and performance. They are practical vehicles for everyday use with enough performance to spend a good day on the circuit. Today we want to propose two different options: which is better, the BMW 128ti or the Hyundai i30 N?
We are going to analyze them and we will do it with a technical comparison where we will strictly base ourselves on the data provided by their respective manufacturers. Thus, we will take into account the dimensions, the trunk, the engines and features, the standard equipment and the prices. At the end, we will extract the strengths of each of the analyzed models.
BMW 128ti
Based on the new generation of the BMW 1 Series, the 128ti is a high-performance variant midway between the more standard engines in the range and the powerful M135i xDrive. With the BMW 128ti, the Bavarian company offers a sporty product for drivers who do not want to go to extremes of performance.
The BMW 128ti features a body that is 4,319mm long, 1,800mm wide and 1,434mm high, all on a 2,670mm wheelbase platform. It offers space for up to five passengers and has a trunk with a 380-litre volumetric capacity that can be expanded to 1,200 liters by folding down the rear seat backrest.
Looking at the engine, the 128ti is available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 265bhp and 400Nm of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission that sends power to the front end. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h.
Video: all about the new generation of the BMW 1 Series:
Among the most outstanding standard equipment we find elements such as the frontal collision warning with automatic braking, involuntary lane change assistant, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, Torsen mechanical differential, sports steering, LED headlights, sports brakes, lowered suspension , sports seats, climate control and start button.
It also offers electric windows, electric parking brake, instrument panel with digital display, driving modes, 8.8-inch central touch screen, DAB radio and 18-inch alloy wheels, among many others.
As for prices, the BMW 128ti is available in Spain from 46,550 euros.
Hyundai i30N
Its rival in this comparison is the Hyundai i30 N. Available in two body options, compact and Fastback, we will focus exclusively on the first version to make the technical comparison more balanced. The Korean sports compact has just undergone a restyling that has integrated some important cosmetic and mechanical changes.
Starting with its measurements, the Hyundai offers 4,340mm in length, 1,795mm in width and 1,445mm in height, all on a platform with a 2,650mm wheelbase. It also includes space for up to five passengers and with regard to the volumetric capacity of the trunk, it presents 381 liters expandable up to 1,287 liters by folding the rear seats.
Video: this is how the new Hyundai i30 N goes on the circuit:
The mechanical section is made up of two options. Both are based on the 2.0 T-GDi four-cylinder, but the first develops 250 hp and 353 Nm of torque, exclusively linked to a six-speed manual transmission. Meanwhile, the second version offers 280 hp and 392 Nm of torque, and is available with both manual and eight-speed DCT automatic gearbox.
Sending power to the front end, the 250 hp version needs 6.4 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h, while the 280 hp variant reduces the time to 5.9 seconds (5.4 seconds with automatic gearbox). ). The maximum speed is in all three cases 250 km/h.
With regard to standard equipment, the i30 includes LED headlights, tinted windows, light and rain sensor, LED pilot lights, electric mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, electric windows, aluminum sports pedals, air conditioning dual zone, on-board computer, driving modes and cruise control with limiter.
In addition, it includes an active involuntary lane change system, emergency braking assistant with pedestrian detection, parking sensors, rear camera, wireless charger, infotainment system with 8-inch touch screen, wireless charger, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and DAB radio, among others.
And the price of the Hyundai i30 N is 36,000 euros (30,500 euros with discounts) for the 250 hp version, and 42,600 euros (37,100 euros) for the 280 hp variant.
Conclution
As you can see, the Hyundai i30 N is 21mm longer, 5mm narrower and 10mm taller than the BMW 128ti, although it has a 20mm shorter wheelbase. The boot has the same volumetric capacity with five seats, but is almost 90 liters larger when the rear seats are folded down.
On a mechanical level, the Hyundai is available in two different versions. One (250 hp) is less powerful and faster than the BMW, but the Performance version (280 hp) is faster and more powerful than the 128ti.
As for standard equipment, both models are quite equipped without the need to add optional extras. However, the price is leaning on the side of the i30 N, whether including the hefty Hyundai discounts or not.
