All the details please…
The new Audi A1 is closely related to the Volkswagen Polo, with the two sharing the VW Group MQB vehicle platform and mechanicals, including a range of three- and four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines, and a choice of manual or auto gearboxes, if no diesels.
Despite the similarities, the premium badge equals premium pricing, with the cheapest A1 costing just under £18,000 –that’s over 10 per cent costlier than a like-for-like Polo.
The A1 has grown up since the last generation. The old three-door model is discontinued, and the five-door ‘Sportback’ hatch is longer by 56mm at 4029mm – even the quite-long-looking five-door Mini is shorter.
The upsizing translates to 43mm more interior length and a 65-litre larger boot at 335 litres, figures which actually underplay how much bigger the A1 now feels. Sadly, it also means some of the old car’s cutesy appeal has gone.
How does the Audi A1 drive?
You might be tempted to go for the more powerful four-cylinder engines, but they’re a little flat and uninspiring compared with the tiny 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. Go for the punchiest 30 TFSI version with 114bhp and, while it’s obviously not particularly fast, it delivers its modest performance with a likeably perky edge, partly thanks to a generous 148lb ft helping of torque. It’s more characterful and engaging.
The smaller engine also helps the 30 TFSI come in a huge 145kg lighter than the range-topping 40 TFSI. That helps this spec feel perfectly punchy enough whether you’re nipping through town or cruising down the motorway. The 30 TFSI also changes direction eagerly, rides quite nicely and is blessed with a sweet-shifting manual gear change. Impressive as the 30 TFSI is, though, no A1 can match a Mini’s fun factor.
What’s the Audi A1 like inside?
Again it’s more grown up in feel than the Mini’s riot of soft-play centre circles, with a modern, highly architectural feel, and a clean, uncluttered look. Body-colour highlights and bright check designs stop it looking too serious though.
Some of the plastics do feel surprisingly hard, as if the budget’s been splashed on technology instead, including the impressive 10.25-inch wide digital instrument cluster and 8.8-inch central touchscreen, which are both standard and very good too.
Extra cash buys the Technology Pack, for sat-nav, the Audi Virtual Cockpit (you can configure it with the sat-nav map handily displayed between the speedometer and rev counter), wireless phone charging and internet connectivity. The Comfort and Sound Pack introduces a Bang & Olufsen 11-speaker audio system, parking sensors and reversing camera, plus heated front seats too.
How about exterior options?
There are three key choices. The basic SE spec looks quite plain on 15-inch alloys, so we’d recommend Sport trim as a minimum with its 16-inch alloys and cloth sports seats. S Line takes things a step further with 17-inch alloys, stiffer suspension (though you can delete that), attractive bodykit and half-cloth/half-leatherette sports seats.
There’s also S line Style and S line Contrast packages, which basically add darker highlights. It’s kind of like the A1 impersonating a moody Range Rover Evoque.
In a nutshell
The Audi A1 has grown up in its second generation, offering a new-found maturity with useful extra interior space and greatly improved technology. But it’s definitely a case of less is more when it comes to the engines, with the three-cylinder 30 TFSI with a manual gearbox our pick, and any leftover budget diverted to the desirable options list.
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Specs
| Price | £17,710 |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | 999cc 12-valve three-cylinder turbo |
| Performance | 114bhp @ 5000-5500rpm, 148lb ft @ 2000-3500rpm |
| 0-62mph | 9.5sec |
| Top Speed | 126mph |
| Efficiency | 58.9mpg, 108g/km CO2 |
| Weight | 1105kg |
| Length/width/height | 4029/1740/1409mm |
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