The newest Audi A1 actually ups its recreation from a visible perspective, and with its vast grille just like that of the R8 supercar, the luxurious supermini seems to be distinctly sporty. The fact is much less thrilling on the highway, as a result of though the A1 handles very competently and rides nicely, it doesn’t have the sporty responses of its key rival the MINI. It wins again floor relating to refinement although, because the A1 is nearly as hushed and relaxed to journey in as a Mercedes C-Class.
The inside design seems to be very upmarket-Audi too, however nearer inspection reveals very comparable supplies used to the less expensive VW Polo. Engine alternative is restricted, however efficiency is passable, and with solely a roomy five-door physique out there it’s sensible too.
Concerning the Audi A1
The second-generation Audi A1 is now solely out there as a five-door hatchback, which Audi refers to as a Sportback, whereas the higher-riding Citycarver mannequin with its SUV-lite styling is not out there. The earlier mannequin was out there in three-door guise too, however that possibility is not any extra. A1 powertrain choices are a mere shadow of what was out there earlier than, however at the very least there are an honest variety of trim ranges for patrons to browse.
The road-up kicks off with the A1 Technik, which options 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and rear lamps, an 8.8-inch color touchscreen and Audi’s smartphone interface. Subsequent up is the Sport trim, which provides you larger 16-inch 10-spoke turbine type alloys, entrance sport seats, rear parking sensors and cruise management, together with some minor exterior trim tweaks.
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The S Line specification offers you 17-inch 5-spoke alloys, lowered firmer suspension and an exterior styling pack, whereas S Line Competitors has its personal 17-inch wheel design, but additionally offers you adjustable damping – you’ll be able to spot one by its gray painted door mirrors. The Black Version sits between the 2 S Line variants within the mannequin lineup, including 18-inch alloys and black exterior trim together with a distinction roof.
Prime-spec Vorsprung fashions convey 18-inch wheels, a black styling pack, sports activities seats with Alcantara/leatherette upholstery, the Navigation Plus system and Audi’s Digital Cockpit set-up.
Engine choices for the A1 embody a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder unit with 94bhp, badged 25 TFSI and out there with both 5-speed guide, or 7-speed S tronic auto transmission. Then there’s the 108bhp 30 TFSI, provided with both a 6-speed guide or 7-speed S tronic auto. The 35 TFSI introduces a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 148bhp mated to the seven-speed auto transmission. The S Line Competitors model makes use of a 204bhp 2.0-litre unit, badged 40 TFSI.
Given its excessive pricing, the Audi A1 is making an attempt to carve a little bit of a distinct segment of its personal as ‘the’ premium supermini, it appears. It has the much less sensible MINI line-up to deal with in fact, however its greatest drawback could be the sheer high quality and desirability of its VW Group stablemate the VW Polo, which provides comparable tech and construct high quality, for lots much less money. Different doable rivals within the style-led small automotive market embody even the Peugeot 208 and the Fiat 500, however neither feels as grown-up because the Audi A1.
Used and almost new
Audi launched the second-generation A1 in 2018, so that you should not have an excessive amount of hassle in sourcing an honest used instance. Though it is the smallest mannequin within the German producer’s lineup, the A1 nonetheless advantages from the model’s sensible, subtle picture, which implies second-hand costs stay fairly buoyant. You will actually pay extra for an A1 in comparison with most of its rivals, however it is best to get an honest chunk of that again should you select to finally promote the automotive on.
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Audi A1 historical past
Audi A1 Mk1: 2010-2018
The Audi A1 was launched within the UK in 2010 as a three-door hatchback mannequin, with the five-door Sportback model following a yr later. As a premium small automotive the A1 was pitched to compete with the fashionable MINI hatch, providing sharp styling, a first-rate inside and construct high quality to rival dearer equipment.
Below the pores and skin, although, the A1 used the identical fundamental structure as its VW Polo, Skoda Fabia and SEAT Ibiza cousins, which meant it did not actually provide up as a lot driving enjoyable because the MINI. That wasn’t actually the purpose of the A1, nonetheless, and its small automotive luxurious really feel helped to win over consumers.
Audi provided a variety of trim ranges for the 1st-gen A1, so it is best to have loads of alternative relating to deciding which mannequin to go for: entry SE nonetheless provides a great degree of package, though mid-range Sport and the favored S line specification embody interesting options similar to sports activities seats, larger wheels and improved on-board tech. Read our full Mk1 Audi A1 buyer’s guide here…
Should you’re considering of shopping for an Audi A1, why not take a look at the most recent costs on our sister website buyacar.co.uk…
