Audacious Audi A1 – Potency for professional pleasure seekers

After driving the joyfully delicious Audi TT last week (click here for our review), I thought I’d be a little disappointed driving anything less. But the upper-crust new Audi A1 Sportback 1.8T FSI Sport S tronic (R 390 000) dressed in a glistening, licorice suit, proved almost as delightful.

What we’ve come to expect

When the local launch took place in May this year, already 8 700 A1’s had been sold in South Africa alone, making the A1 Audi’s bestselling model. The Germans are infamous for making customers pay for ashtrays and armrests, but it’s the design, build quality, gearboxes, performance and efficiency as well as resale value of their cars, that keep the punters signing on the dotted line. Apparently two thirds of A1 buyers also happen to be women, due to the A1’s compact dimensions and appealing looks. And I have to admit, even though my press car was fully kitted out in its boyish, Black styling package (R 2 040) with decals on the rear (R 1 800) and on the roofline (R 4 470), everything about the futuristic, stylishly minimalist interior (and exterior) agreed with me. The red backlighting makes the dark cabin come alive, especially at night. All fittings and finishes are top-notch. The interior doesn’t ooze character like the French cars, but it is charming and glamorous in its own German way.

Fast Living

The A1 Sportback, in 1.8T FSI form, has a whole 141 kW and 250Nm on offer. It’s a potent little hatchback, probably more potent than most people need on a daily basis. But there are some of us who are constantly in a hurry, and who like their cars to match the speed of their lives. What I need, is a car that is low on juice and high on performance. I drive the 250 km to Cape Town and back at least twice a week for work. The N2 between Cape Town and Somerset West is particularly busy, and Capetonians are renowned for not giving a rat’s rear-end about fast and slow lanes. The lithe and light-footed A1 allowed me to weave through traffic with quick ease, and thanks to the fiery engine (also found in the VW Polo GTI), I didn’t need particularly large gaps. The double-clutch S Tronic gearbox is truly one of Audi’s strongest points, and moves through all seven gears with swift nonchalance. As for fuel consumption, my trip computer showed a decent 8 litres per 100 km on the combined cycle. As the A1 is still mine for the rest of the week, I reckon I can still get it lower by driving sensibly and having Audi Drive Select on “Efficiency.” Audi’s figure (combined) is 5.6 l/100km, but that is under perfect road conditions and is a little over-ambitious.

Put down that pencil!

Because the A1 is such a looker, it boosts the ego too, without costing half a million bucks like the sumptuous Audi TT. That is, if you can practice some self-restraint with all the optional extras. My A1 had some expensive options fitted, such as MMI navigation Plus (R24 700) and a Panoramic glass sunroof, which costs R 11 220. With the screen open, it brightens up the entire cabin and imparts a feeling of spaciousness. I know it’s an expensive extra, but it’s one box that is worth ticking. If you use cruise control on a regular basis, having it in the A1 will cost you R 3 520. (Yes, it really should come as standard.) With all the options fitted (including the decals) the A1’s price came to R 437 750. That’s the Germans for you. Bluetooth with audio streaming is standard, and so is the colour screen that pops up from the centre dash. But there is no USB port, just two impractical SD card slots. Audi Drive Select is also standard, as well as Auto stop/start and Hill Start Assist. The full list of safety, convenience and tech spec can be found on Audi’s website,

Space for little people

The A1 is not particularly big on the inside, but is absolutely fine for the daily commute to school and work. Two primary school kids fit happily into the back, and as long as none of them play the harp, space in the 270-litre boot is good for school suitcases and some sports bags, or a spot of shopping.

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The A1 is very much orientated to the young, professional urban dweller. The 1.8T FSI engine and comfortable seats make it suitable for tackling longer journeys as well, but ride quality is quite firm due to the A1’s sporty nature and the fact that sport suspension is fitted as standard. Over imperfect road surfaces it can feel a little harsh, and with the amount of potholes we encounter in SA, you’d best look where you were going at all times. Realistically, your best buy in the A1 department, would be the A1 1.4T FSI, with an engine that’s lively enough to be fun, but frugal enough to keep running costs low, and to avoid emissions tax. Oh, and did I mention that it costs R 66 500 less than the 1.8?

All in all, the A1 is a handsome devil, a great performer and screams class all-round. If you have the money, and you’re not after ample amounts of space, the A1 is, well, A1.

Facts & Figures

Price	:  R 390 000
Engine	: four-cylinder, 1.8 litre turbo-petrol
Gearbox	: 7 Speed S tronic, auto
Power	: 141 kW
Torque	: 250 Nm
Top speed	: 250 km/h
0 to 100 km/h	: 6.8 sec.
Fuel tank	: 45 litres
Realistic fuel consumption	: About 8 litres per 100 km’s (combined)
Boot size	: 270 litres
Warranty	: 1 year unlimited km, 5 year / 100 000 km Freeway Plan

 

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