You’ll in all probability have anticipated the 128ti’s cabin to outshine the vastly extra humble environment of a Focus ST and the one barely extra materially formidable ones of a Mégane RS 300. Certainly, it does. The BMW’s cabin is a really agreeable place to be. However do shiny materials trims, a obviously broad infotainment system and embossed armrests actually matter in an inexpensive driver’s automotive? Or may the final consolation, assist and adjustability of the motive force’s seat and the orientation of the controls matter extra?
To this tester, whereas the Renault presents an excellent driver’s seat however a extra ergonomically compromised structure of controls in entrance of it than both of the opposite two automobiles, it’s the Ford that shades the BMW for driving place credit score. The 128ti’s seats have extra adjustability than the Focus ST’s, however they’re tougher and fewer laterally supportive. And, for the report, no automotive right here has the low, just-so major ergonomics of a Honda Civic Sort R.
Subsequent, let’s choose a powertrain: the versatile, characterful, thrilling sort you’d need in an everyday-use efficiency possibility. The BMW’s does fairly nicely right here, a minimum of so far as its engine goes. You’d choose its torquey-feeling 2.0-litre turbo over the Renault’s boosting, popping 1.8, regardless that it’s a contact too reserved for its personal good. Nevertheless it doesn’t rev just like the Ford’s 2.3-litre turbo, and whereas it’ll hurl the 128ti alongside at fairly the speed, it doesn’t occupy your creativeness fairly just like the Focus’s engine, both. I’ve by no means recognized a four-cylinder motor to warble and thrum as genuinely because the Ford’s does when you choose Sport driving mode, and the lively exhaust switches over to its noisy pipe. It’s an actual audible deal with.
For a gearbox, there’s simply no competitors; not for me. I settle for that an ideal many individuals who purchase automobiles like this could now quite have two pedals than three as a result of that fits them higher for the on a regular basis grind. However right here’s the factor: a handbook transmission doesn’t simply higher occupy your left hand and left leg, however your mind as nicely. Within the manual-equipped Focus ST, your strategy to each nook, and each straight that opens up in entrance of you after it, is so very completely different from how it’s in both the Mégane RS 300 or the 128ti. You’re absolutely mentally engaged within the technique of making ready the Ford for no matter lies by way of the windscreen; of choosing gears for corners intentionally, after which committing to creating them work, with the automotive’s weight and half shafts loaded and set simply as you need them.
