The sporty AUDI A1 is a compact favourite with South African vehicle owners since its launch in 2010. Almost alone in the luxury mini car bracket, the eye-catching design redefines hatchback elegance. Compared to the A1 Sportback, the A1 is the sport 3-door model instead of the more sedan-like 5 doors of the Sportback. Already an iconic shape, the wide track and short overhangs, wing segments on the flanks and the side-panels on the roof add finishing touches to the overall feel of this model as sporty, capable and agile.
The interior is trademark elegance with different options from the standard leather seats to the luxury wood panelling. This vehicle is geared for a digital age, with a standard with a fully digital instrument cluster with a high-resolution, 10.25-inch display and a multifunction steering wheel. Optional choice of the virtual cockpit is available for the more discerned driver, as is a Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system. The optional smartphone interface ensures ease of use and compatibility to your smart devices.
The AUDI A1’s technical performance has been rated above average for a hatchback. Comparing with other models in its class it is a smooth ride for a long-distance but nippy and capable on more challenging roads and surfaces.
With the launch model, only one engine was available, namely the 114bhp turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol, known as the 30 TFSI. Since its introduction in the market a wider option of petrol engines (no diesel available) has been introduced, including the 94bhp 25 TFSI, a 1.5-litre 35 TFSI with 148bhp and a 2.0-litre 40 TFSI offering 197bhp. It is expected that AUDI will soon launch a flagship S1 and it is more than likely that the car will shift to hybrid technology in future. With a responsive and adequate, 0-100 km per hour time of 9.5 seconds, the 30 TFSI should suit most A1 drivers, especially with the smooth-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic automatic gearbox.
The overall image of this model is one of capability, smooth technology and responsiveness on the road. Sporty yet elegant, it is an AUDI success story in the super-mini vehicle range.