Audi A1 1.6 TDI Sportback

What‘s it? It is the new five-door Audi A1. Or if you are Audi marketing personnel, it is the A1 Sportback. Beyond the inclusion from the rear doors, the differences involving the Sportback and also the standard A1 are fairly subtle. The C-pillar is with a steeper angle, there is over 10mm more elbow and head room inside the back and also the rear bench now accommodates three instead of two passengers. There isn‘t any increase in seat-up boot capacity, to ensure that remains at 270-litres. For many the extra usefulness, Audi will charge you around £500 more during the three-door. From launch the Sportback is available using the core engines – 1. 6 TDI, 1. 2 TSI and 1. 4 TSI (120 and 182bhp ). A 2. 0 TDI and also the cylinder on-demand 1. 4 TSI will continue sale later in 2012. We're testing the 1. 6 TDI in Sport trim (which accounts for around 60 per cent of A1s sold ). The diesel is merely available having a five-speed manual 'box and can be perhaps one of the biggest sellers because of its headline figures of 99g / km and 74. 3mpg combined. What’s it like? In its own way, it is exceptionally good. We're very acquainted with the 104bhp 1. 6 TDI motor, and it‘s still our least favourite powertrain inside the A1. Whilst perfectly acceptable, the slightly lethargic response and gruff soundtrack is at odds using the otherwise encouraging dynamics. It‘s extremely fit for use, it just lacks the vivacious delivery from the petrols. Still, refinement is good and also the space inside the rear is marginally improved. It is comfortable for two average-sized adults. The occasional third seat is just one of those items that sounds trivial but will probably be highly valued from the small families that Audi expects as being A1 Sportback's key audience. We tried two diesel test cars, one using the standard sport suspension that has Sport, you with Dynamic suspension – a no-cost option on Sport models that brings a slightly softer set-up, both on optional 17-inch alloys. In truth the difference we felt over all manner of UK roads was quite minimal. Both are noticeably firm by most supermini standards, however the sport set-up experienced a sharper secondary ride and was particularly unsettled over higher frequency intrusions like eroded tarmac and little creases. We’d choose 'dynamic', because the compromise it brings when it comes to body roll is virtually undetectable but it will provide slightly more forgiving bump absorption. If comfort is really a top priority, we’d strongly suggest going to the standard 16-inch wheels. Should I buy one? Yes, though we’d recommend any one of the petrols during the rather dull-feeling 1. 6 TDI unless you‘re expecting to cover many motorway miles. The Audi interior still falls in need of the blatant style overload that‘s the Mini, but for people who value ergonomics that‘ll be no bad thing. In several ways, the Sportback actually makes more sense compared to the three-door A1. In case you don’t count VW beneath the same 'premium' umbrella, the Sportback has no direct premium rivals except for the less practical Mini Clubman, and additional utilitarian value doesn’t corrupt the looks (an excessive amount ) as well as general likeability from the car. Audi clearly believes a similar, as long as it expects two thirds of A1 buyers to choose the five-door. If you’re intending to become part of them, you won’t be disappointed. Audi A1 Sportback 1. 6 TDI Sport Price : £16, 880 ; Top speed : 118mph ; 0-62mph : 10. 7sec ; Economy : 74. 3mpg ; CO2 : 99g / km ; Kerb weight : 1165kg ; Engine type, cc : 1598cc, 4cyl in-line, turbodiesel ; Power : 104bhp at 4400rpm ; Torque : 184lb ft at 1500-2500rpm ; Gearbox : 5-spd manual Audi A1 1. 6 TDI Sportback