What‘s it?
The smallest, cheapest Audi ever that’s poised to get the biggest-selling model in its history : the A1.
The A1 was initially seen like the metroproject quattro concept in the Tokyo motor show two 5 years back and almost everything car’s design has carried over towards the production car. There will be lots of design touches from Audi’s larger cars upon the A1 : the ‘wing-design’ LED daytime running lights are now a familiar facial feature of latest Audis and also the A1 isn‘t any exception.
The front-wheel-drive A1 shares its steel-based platform using the Volkswagen Polo, Seat Ibiza and Skoda Fabia. However the MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension systems happen to be tuned to supply the A1 with what Audi claims tend to be more distinct and engaging dynamics than its siblings.
The UK can get three engines from launch : a 1. 2 TFSI, a 1. 4 TFSI and also a 1. 6 TDI. The model tested here is range-topping 120bhp 1. 4 TFSI model equipped using the seven-speed S Tronic gearbox. In S Line trim as we’re testing here, It‘ll set you back £18, 280.
Begin to see the Audi A1 pics
What’s it like?
Sophisticated. Forget about so is that this evident compared to its interior. Simply there is no other volume manufacturer keeps this type of consistently premium feel with their cars over the range, and also the A1 isn‘t any exception for Audi. Its interior quality and design feel as if an Audi should, albeit it’s the smallest, cheapest Audi.
Indeed, there will be even aspects towards the A1’s interior that can filter as much as the remainder of the Audi range. The MMI sat-nav that pops out the highest from the dash is really a stylish and neat feature that feels premium sufficient to move higher in the Audi range.
The 120bhp engine feels like it’s pulling lots of weight around, although it may be unfair to call it underpowered. On the entire, however, it’s a refined unit that’s silky smooth ; it just wouldn’t hurt to get a little more grunt.
The seven-speed S Tronic gearbox offers quick and smooth upshifts but, as is usually the case with DSG ‘boxes, step off could be hesitant and shifts from second to first and into and from reverse are too jerky.
To drive, the A1 feels very mature. It feels much more substantial than its compact dimensions suggest, most especially when considering its platform is shared using the Ibiza and Fabia. The Polo is much more refined than its budget counterparts, however the A1 moves this on even further ; It‘s an air of sophistication and refinement that many of us haven’t seen before during this class.
The load from the steering is likewise heavier than anything inside the class, further adding to its big car feel. Coming from the front seats, this substantial feel helps make the A1 feel as if an ever so slightly smaller A3. However this big car feel inside the front is not carried backwards. There‘s less space inside the rear seats and inside the boot when compared to a Fiesta.
Our test car came with 17-inch wheels clad in 215 / 40 R17 tyres. On billiard-smooth German roads from the test route, the ride was okay, however we believe this a wheel / tyre combination you’d wish to avoid inside the UK.
The handling is acceptable ; not class leading, however it goes about its business again in an infinitely more grown up way compared to the Ibiza. It’s not massively engaging ; there’s lots of grip and a few throttle adjustability however the A1 won’t jab its tail out at will, although It‘ll tuck its nose in if you actually aspire to it.
It’s a solid, if somewhat uninspiring driving experience.
Should I buy one?
Small cars should offer something novel – a Mini is unashamedly retro, as a Citroen DS3 is that the opposite. The Fiesta looks good inside and out and likewise has fine dynamics.
The Audi doesn’t offer anything novel, asides from your interior that’s unmatched quality wise inside the class. It’s just a similar Audi experience in an inferior package. If you would like one, buy one : there’s no compelling reason why we wouldn’t recommend this car to potential buyers.
It doesn’t challenge the Fiesta for class honours, but buyers of those two cars are never prone to overlap.
The A1 offers the tried and trusted Audi formula at an inexpensive level which will obviously be appealing to a lot of. It is a shame then that there will be cars which will do just what the A1 is trying to carry out far better.
See all the newest Audi reviews, news and video
Audi A1 1. 4 TFSI S Tronic
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Audi A1 1.4 TFSI S Tronic
What‘s it?
The smallest, cheapest Audi ever that’s poised to get the biggest-selling model in its history : the A1.
The A1 was initially seen like the metroproject quattro concept in the Tokyo motor show two 5 years back and almost everything car’s design has carried over towards the production car. There will be lots of design touches from Audi’s larger cars upon the A1 : the ‘wing-design’ LED daytime running lights are now a familiar facial feature of latest Audis and also the A1 isn‘t any exception.
The front-wheel-drive A1 shares its steel-based platform using the Volkswagen Polo, Seat Ibiza and Skoda Fabia. However the MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension systems happen to be tuned to supply the A1 with what Audi claims tend to be more distinct and engaging dynamics than its siblings.
The UK can get three engines from launch : a 1. 2 TFSI, a 1. 4 TFSI and also a 1. 6 TDI. The model tested here is range-topping 120bhp 1. 4 TFSI model equipped using the seven-speed S Tronic gearbox. In S Line trim as we’re testing here, It‘ll set you back £18, 280.
Begin to see the Audi A1 pics
What’s it like?
Sophisticated. Forget about so is that this evident compared to its interior. Simply there is no other volume manufacturer keeps this type of consistently premium feel with their cars over the range, and also the A1 isn‘t any exception for Audi. Its interior quality and design feel as if an Audi should, albeit it’s the smallest, cheapest Audi.
Indeed, there will be even aspects towards the A1’s interior that can filter as much as the remainder of the Audi range. The MMI sat-nav that pops out the highest from the dash is really a stylish and neat feature that feels premium sufficient to move higher in the Audi range.
The 120bhp engine feels like it’s pulling lots of weight around, although it may be unfair to call it underpowered. On the entire, however, it’s a refined unit that’s silky smooth ; it just wouldn’t hurt to get a little more grunt.
The seven-speed S Tronic gearbox offers quick and smooth upshifts but, as is usually the case with DSG ‘boxes, step off could be hesitant and shifts from second to first and into and from reverse are too jerky.
To drive, the A1 feels very mature. It feels much more substantial than its compact dimensions suggest, most especially when considering its platform is shared using the Ibiza and Fabia. The Polo is much more refined than its budget counterparts, however the A1 moves this on even further ; It‘s an air of sophistication and refinement that many of us haven’t seen before during this class.
The load from the steering is likewise heavier than anything inside the class, further adding to its big car feel. Coming from the front seats, this substantial feel helps make the A1 feel as if an ever so slightly smaller A3. However this big car feel inside the front is not carried backwards. There‘s less space inside the rear seats and inside the boot when compared to a Fiesta.
Our test car came with 17-inch wheels clad in 215 / 40 R17 tyres. On billiard-smooth German roads from the test route, the ride was okay, however we believe this a wheel / tyre combination you’d wish to avoid inside the UK.
The handling is acceptable ; not class leading, however it goes about its business again in an infinitely more grown up way compared to the Ibiza. It’s not massively engaging ; there’s lots of grip and a few throttle adjustability however the A1 won’t jab its tail out at will, although It‘ll tuck its nose in if you actually aspire to it.
It’s a solid, if somewhat uninspiring driving experience.
Should I buy one?
Small cars should offer something novel – a Mini is unashamedly retro, as a Citroen DS3 is that the opposite. The Fiesta looks good inside and out and likewise has fine dynamics.
The Audi doesn’t offer anything novel, asides from your interior that’s unmatched quality wise inside the class. It’s just a similar Audi experience in an inferior package. If you would like one, buy one : there’s no compelling reason why we wouldn’t recommend this car to potential buyers.
It doesn’t challenge the Fiesta for class honours, but buyers of those two cars are never prone to overlap.
The A1 offers the tried and trusted Audi formula at an inexpensive level which will obviously be appealing to a lot of. It is a shame then that there will be cars which will do just what the A1 is trying to carry out far better.
See all the newest Audi reviews, news and video
Audi A1 1. 4 TFSI S Tronic
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