The latest Audi A1 certainly is a looker. While the first one suited the Audi design theme of the time, it aged quickly and as a result, is starting to look a little dated. The good news is that the new Audi A1 takes that and flips it on its head with striking lines and a fresh new approach. It's a stylish, attractive machine and the good news is that it drives as good as it looks.
Related: The new Audi A1 is the one
Before you head out to go test drive one, here's what you need to know:
1. Built like a 'kart
The new Audi A1 has taken a page from the MINI handbook and the designers have placed the wheels in all four corners. It sounds simple but by reducing the amount of body overhang, the engineers at Audi have managed to improve the handling characteristics. It's a technique that has been used to great effect in motorsport as well. By placing the wheels in the corners they also free up some interior space.
2. Firecracker engine lineup
The Audi A1 is available with a choice of three engines. The names have become a little confusing since switching to the power output naming convention, but we have you covered.
The smallest engine is found in the 30 TFSI. It's a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder that makes 85 kW and 200 Nm torque. The 35 TFSI is a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder and this one produces 110 kW and 250 Nm. The biggest engine (for now) is the 2.0-litre in the 40 TFSI. This one makes 147 kW and 320 Nm torque.
All three engines are rather sprightly and sound great at the same time.
3. More space
The new Audi A1 is a little longer than the old model but it's still the same width. What Audi has managed to do is improve the interior space. This isn't just an optical illusion and the new A1 is, in fact, larger than before. You will also get a larger boot in the new A1, coming in at 335-litres.
4. Luxury Trim
The new Audi A1 certainly doesn't feel like an entry-level car. The fit and finish inside the cabin of the new A1 is rather good with a host of soft-touch surfaces to please even the most die-hard connoisseur. It all feels very well thought out and extremely well bolted together. It gives the impression of quality and durability - it gives you the peace of mind that this car will last quite a long time.
5. Big-Car Tech
It's not only the trimmings that make it feel like a big car, but the tech made available to the new Audi A1 is also that of its larger brothers and sisters. For the first time, you can spec the Audi A1 with the Audi Virtual Cockpit for a fully digital display experience.
As standard, you will get the 8.8-inch MMI Radio Plus but you also have the options of upgrading this to a larger unit. Ask about which system is fitted your test car so that you get a feel for how great it works.
Recommended next:
Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S Line (2020) - The supermini grows up
BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Audi A1: which one has the best infotainment system?
Mazda3 vs Audi A1 vs Toyota Corolla Hatch: Which has the lowest running costs?
