Audi A1 – a masterpiece of downsizing

ROAD TEST

There’s a feeling of self satisfaction attached to running a car that looks the part and boasts a raft of bells and whistles.

Even more so when that tidy little executive model can give you an official fuel return of 80.7 miles per gallon.

That’s the case with the latest version of Audi’s smallest offering the A1, which also comes with extra style courtesy of a wider grille, new bumpers and fresh alloy wheel designs.

Engine choice comprises a trio of petrol engines in the shape of a 1.0-litre producing 95PS and a pair of 1.4-litre units with 125 and 150PS plus a 1.6 TDI diesel developing 116PS.

The tested diesel 5-door Sportback, which carries a £620 premium over its 3-door hatchback stablemate, came with the German brand’s S tronic gearbox, operating as a full automatic or in manual mode using paddles on the steering wheel.

It brings the fuel figure down to 76.3mpg, and though our mixed urban and motorway driving fell short of that mark, it wasn’t too far off at 68.7.
Out on the road the A1 provides a solid, planted feel when driven at speed. In fact when you factor in a throaty engine note and lots of feelgood factor, the experience is exhilarating.

In truth, the car is a masterpiece of downsizing. Sit behind the beautifully balanced steering wheel and the feeling is more TT coupe than five-door hatch.
Those trademark black and silver cabin touches are all there – a bit minimalist but classy nonetheless – and there’s ample head and legroom for two rear passengers.

The only real criticism concerns the seats, which start to feel uncomfortable after a few miles and leave all but the most supple of us reaching for the lumbago tablets after a long journey.

Otherwise the Sportback is a cracking little car. Regards versatility, there are more practical vehicles out there, but none can match that feeling of prestige that the Audi impresses on you.

And to be fair, the split-level boot is reasonable while for extra space the rear seats do split and fold 60/40.

The SE, Sport and S line spec levels feature specific suspension set-ups – SE versions run on more comfort-oriented dynamic suspension, Sport models are firmer and S line variants ride even lower on sports suspension.

Features common to all versions include alloy wheels, remote central locking, air-con, electric front windows and mirrors and a six-speaker single CD audio system with auxiliary iPod connection linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display.

Our test car, in top grade S line trim, cost a princely £21,050 but extras like a Design Pack at £845, Comfort Pack at £650, Technology Pack at £1,495 and BOSE surround sound £690 hiked the tab considerably.

A1 prices start at £14,530 for a 1.0-litre 95PS SE 3-door petrol hatchback version rising to £23,450 for a 1.4-litre 150PS Black Edition 5-door petrol Sportback.