Next-generation Audi A1 takes a sharp turn and beats rivals on price
The Audi A1 Sportback exists to lure mainstream buyers into a prestige vehicle. The maker says 80 per cent of sales of the first-generation A1 were to first-time buyers or owners of regular models looking to step up. That should continue with the secondgeneration A1, which has extra technology, greater leg and headroom in the rear and a fresh new look.
Throw in the fact the A1’s starting price of $32,350 plus on-roads is about $10,000 cheaper than an entry level BMW 1 Series or MercedesBenz A-Class and it isn’t difficult to see why Audi is expecting big things of its compact fivedoor hatch.
Standard gear for the three grades includes 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, smartphone mirroring, front and rear parking sensors plus a reversing camera, touchscreen infotainment display, digital radio and USB ports up front.
The cars employ Audi’s latest nonsensical naming convention, meaning the base vehicle is dubbed the 30 TFSI.
Its 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine sends 85kW/200Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed automatic.
Spending $35,290 on the 35 TFSI adds a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo (100kW/ 250Nm) and cylinder-deactivation to improve fuel economy.
The money also buys 17-inch wheels (up
AT A GLANCE
AUDI A1 SPORTBACK PRICE $32,350-$42,450 plus on-roads WARRANTY/SERVICE 3 years/unlimited km, $1480 for 3 years/45,000km
ENGINES 1.0-litre 3-cyl turbo, 85kW/200Nm; 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo, 110kW/200Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo 147kW/320Nm SAFETY 5 stars, 6 airbags, AEB, lanedeparture warning
THIRST 5.4L-6.4L/100km
SPARE Space-saver
CARGO 335L from 16s), different cloth upholstery, pushbutton start and wireless phone charging.
The 40 TFSI is fitted with a 2.0-litre fourcylinder turbo matched to a six-speed auto.
Outputs of 147kW/320Nm and adaptive dampers make it the obvious choice for sporty types, except for the absence of any sonic stimulation.
You pay for the privilege at $46,450 but the range-topper also adds LED headlamps, the infotainment screen with satnav, 18-inch wheels, four driving modes to adjust suspension, steering and throttle response, active lane-keep assist and dual-zone airconditioning.
ON THE ROAD
The A1 Sportback shapes up well even when stationary. It is one of the next generation of Audis, forsaking the brand-building clone approach — where all the cars looked like scaled up or down versions of the same design — for a more individual style reflecting the segment in which it competes.
The A1’s sharp angles and colour palette make it evident it’s aimed at a younger demographic. The angles continue inside where the infotainment screen is embedded in a fascia facing slightly towards the driver.
It’s stylish and grabs your attention as you slide into the well-bolstered cloth seats.
Attention grabbing for less positive reasons are the hard plastics that proliferate in the cabin. It’s one thing to cut costs by hiding the hard stuff low in the car but I’d like to see softtouch plastics on the top of the door trims in a prestige car.
Space in the rear has been improved and two adults can sit back there in relative comfort, while the 335L boot is good for this segment.
Each of the three engines imparts a distinct character to the A1. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder has the best exhaust note and is engaging to drive on country roads.
It suffers when it sees a hill and four-up driving in undulating urban areas might become a bit tiresome but it mounts a solid and affordable case to be a daily city commuter.
Most buyers are expected to go for the 1.5-litre four-cylinder — it is appreciably quicker and the extra capacity and cylinderdeactivation contributed to greater fuel efficiency during a 430km test run.
The range-topping 2.0-litre is best matched to the A1’s aggressive new looks, providing you’re prepared to cop the $10,000 premium over the base car.
Be careful on wheel size — the 17-inchers were demonstrably quieter than the larger diameter rubber but on coarse-chip surfaces generated enough noise to interrupt conversations.
Wind noise off the mirrors and windscreen also results in a less-than-premium ambience.
The steering is typically Audi: direct and accurate without giving much feedback.
The A1 is also a classic example of car companies doing just enough to earn a five-star safety score.
ANCAP mandates a speed limiter, lanedeparture alert and autonomous emergency braking with vulnerable user detection and that’s just what the A1 provides.
Blind-spot monitoring isn’t needed for a top score, so it doesn’t even feature as an option.
VERDICT
The Audi A1 is the cheapest way to own a four-ringed car and does a passable impression of a prestige car, providing you can put up with some generic plastic panels.