De-icing errors could see drivers hit with fines
from Ford or GTIs from Volkswagen.
Top speed for the front-wheel-drive A1 is 126mph and the 0 to 60 time of 9.4 seconds is brisk enough to satisfy most drivers.
Fuel economy is equally good and in everyday use more than 50 to the gallon is achievable. Even driven hard and it is unlikely to drop lower than mid-40s. We saw an average of 53.2 to the gallon and that’s not too far off the official figure.
The cabin is slightly roomier than before and at night was set off with an ambient light display around the instruments and in the doors – another option at £150.
It looks very classy and with 30 colours to go at is a worthwhile touch to personalise the interior.
On the outside, the S line comes with enlarged air intakes at the front as well as ducts just below the bonnet – a flashback to Audi’s quattro models of old.
Dynamic indicators, which scroll sideways in action were another touch and so were ultra-bright LED automatic headlamps operated via a push button on the dash.
A reversing camera is another option as is adaptive cruise control while standard driver assist features include lane departure warnings and Audi’s automatic braking system.
On the connectivity front, the A1 is fully smartphone compatible and also comes with a digital audio system as standard with upgrades to a 560 Watt Bang and Olufsen premium sound an option.
A wireless phone charging system was also fitted on the car we tried.
In every way, the A1 has matured to become a high end supermini but as with any Audi it relies on the options list to make it a truly premium model – and that can make it relatively costly. MOTORISTS who fail to properly clear their car windscreen of ice could face fines.
The offence, which is referred to as ‘pothole vision’, means drivers have a restricted view out of the windscreen and is punishable by a £60 fine.
It’s an easy issue to avoid however; providing you properly remove the ice from your windscreen.
Resist the urge to start the car and leave it alone to warm up - this could potentially invalidate insurance cover while leaving it prey to theft.
The only items which should be used to clear a frozen screen and windows are de-icer and an ice scraper. Pouring hot water over car’s glass is a definite no-no. Despite screens improving in quality in recent years, this process is unlikely to do them any favours and, at worst, could cause irreparable damage.
A spray of de-icer is the most favourable option. Spray it towards the top of the windows in order to allow it to fall over the entire glass section, then clear away any ice left over with the scraper.
It’s also worth checking to make sure the windscreen washer jets aren’t frozen, as well as the wipers. A quick squirt of deicer on them should ensure that they aren’t stuck.