Segment Stunner
Audi has been on a mission lately. The Q8 that was released earlier this year was just the beginning of a model tsunami that will be hitting SA shores. The first of the next wave just touched down, with the brand new Q3 last week and now this, the all new A1.
The new A1 comes with a sharper new look, a revised options list and trickle down technology from models higher up the range and we were on hand to for the local launch of this new premium segment offering.
Styling
The new A1 has seen a major re-design of the front and rear ends as well as some sculpting down the sides. Audi has designed their lighting with signatures, each model having its own pattern and design. Signature LED headlights and a larger grille dominate the front while the rear gets new wrap-around taillights and a sportier rear bumper. The heavy crease line that ran down the hip of the previous generation is gone and has been replace by a smaller, less noticeable body line. The wheel arches have also been pushed out and now more pronounced paying homage to its Quattro roots.
The new model will also have a host of new wheel options ranging from 15 - 18 inch and number of new designs and options are slated for later release. Audi has also made sure that the new A1 pitches to the correct market by making 10 different colours available, the Python Yellow model may have been the favourite on the day but my attention was continuously drawn away by the Misano Red Pearl.
Interior
Audi has wanted to simplify their lineup for some time and the introduction of a standard package list and a much shorter options list with a lot more standard features has been a long time coming.
Audi now offers 5 standard packages:
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Comfort
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Technology
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Sport
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Lights (for 30 TFSI only)
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S line interior
These packages are a quick and easy way to tailor your car to your lifestyle right off the showroom floor with no difficult ordering process and long lead times. This means that the A1 you get may have a very different interior to someone else depending on which pack you get. Our test car had the very fancy Edition#1 package which is only available on the 40 TFSi models and this is essentially a blackout kit for the vehicle from the exterior to the interior with every option you can think of, fitted.
The interior is typically Audi with a lot of very familiar switchgear and placement. Seating was comfortable and easily adjustable making a good driving position a cinch to find.
Tech
This was without a doubt my favourite new addition to the A1, the technology that has now made its way downstream and that has been made available is going to make tech heads very happy. Digital dash, MMI, wireless charging, smartphone interface and a high end sound system make the inside of the new A1 a wonderful place to spend your time.
Engines
It would seem that Audi has started a new naming convention across its ranges that seeks to simplify the engine sizing. The A1 will be available with three engine options, a 1.0, a 1.5 and a 2.0. These are now indicated with a 30, 35 or 40 prefix before the engine designation. We only had the 1.5 and 2.0 on launch and to be very honest these engines are more than enough to get the A1 moving at a rapid pace.
We were indeed having so much fun that I only checked our average fuel consumption just before we got back to our venue and it was sitting at 8.5l/100km from the 2 litre variant which is not bad considering the testing we were conducting.
Pricing
The Audi A1 range is priced as follows, along with the standard Audi Freeway plan (5 year / 100 000 km)
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Audi A1 30 TFSI S tronic R 359,900
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Audi A1 30 TFSI Advanced S tronic R 373,900
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Audi A1 30 TFSI S line S tronic R 388,900
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Audi A1 35 TFSI S tronic R 429,900
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Audi A1 35 TFSI Advanced S tronic R 443,900
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Audi A1 35 TFSI S line S tronic R 458,900
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Audi A1 40 TFSI S line S tronic R 488,000
Our Verdict
We drove a relatively short distance of just under 200 kilometres on the day but this was more than enough to get a proper feel for the A1. Both engines felt very peppy and more than up to the task of overtaking manoeuvres on the free way and the slower stop start of suburban areas. We really do like what Audi has done with the exterior styling and the tech and features that are now available as standard also add a great deal of value to your drive.
The A1 is very comfortable to live with and if you select the correct package and options for your commute and lifestyle you are definitely going to enjoy your time behind the wheel even more. Even though the A1 sits at the premium end of this segment, some potential customers might find the price something of a turnoff but as is always, you get what you pay for and the Audi A1 just keeps on giving.
