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Audi A1 1.6 TDi Sport

Verdict on diesel supermini, set to be the range’s top seller

Audi A1 1.6 TDi Sport

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Otis Clay

November 2010

It's tough if you want to get to the top, as Audi is finding out. In Issue 1,140, the new A1 came face-to-face with its petrol-powered rivals – the Citroen DS3 and MINI Cooper – in its first Auto Express group test... and lost. So how will this 1.6-litre diesel version fare on UK roads? Well, first impressions are good. 

Our Sport-spec model certainly stands out, finished in Amalfi White gloss with contrasting Daytona Grey roof rails and optional 17-inch ‘V-spoke’ alloy wheels. In fact, it feels every inch the scaled-down Audi, oozing class from every angle.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Audi A1

 

However, that desirability comes at a cost. The contrasting roof rails will set you back £350, and the wheels another £560 – on top of the £16,320 asking price. Without them, the A1 doesn’t stand out anywhere near as much. 

Jump inside, and there’s no doubt that Audi has pulled off a big victory. Put simply, no other premium supermini – DS3, MINI or Alfa Romeo MiTo – feels like such a high-quality product. All of the switches and stalks are beautifully weighted, the facia is covered in a classy soft-touch moulding, while the pop-up MMI cabin control system – borrowed from the A8 limo – is the icing on the cake. 

As with the MINI and DS3, there’s plenty of scope for personalisation. Buyers can choose from contrasting trim inserts, plus a range of packs bringing kit such as 3D sat-nav and a 20GB music hard drive. 

What’s more, all models come as standard with stop-start, air-con and a six-speaker CD stereo offering iPod connectivity. This Sport version adds Bluetooth and voice control of the phone and radio functions, plus sports seats. It’s not short of kit. 

Given that the A1 measures just under four metres long, it’s surprisingly roomy – and that’s a big advantage over the MINI. There’s decent legroom in the back for two adults, while the boot is very impressive. Engine options comprise 1.2 and 1.4-litre TFSI petrol units, but this 1.6 TDI diesel is expected to be the best-seller. It has 104bhp and 250Nm of torque from only 1,500rpm, and is mated to a smooth five-speed gearbox. Around town and on the motorway, the diesel shows off its flexibility, proving equally adept at nipping in and out of gaps in traffic or accelerating hard when overtaking.

There’s no doubt that the petrol options are quieter and more refined, but they can’t match the TDI’s 70.6mpg combined fuel economy or low 105g/km emissions, which will mean buyers pay no road tax in the first year of registration.

There’s a fly in the ointment, though – and it’s the driving experience. While there’s nothing especially wrong with the way the A1 steers, corners or rides, it just doesn’t do anything with any particular verve. It’s all very composed and competent, but the wheel doesn’t give the same feedback as a MINI, and as a result it’s not that much fun. 

What it does offer, though, is a real big-car feel – and that, for most buyers, will be very welcome indeed. As will a MINI-style, five-year, 50,000-mile service plan, which costs a mere £250. And despite some negatives, this diesel version provides a great mix of performance and low running costs, all wrapped in a chic-looking and very desirable package.

Rival: MINI Cooper D
Priced at £15,730, the 112bhp diesel MINI is cheaper than the A1 – and slightly faster, too. Yet while it’s solidly built, it can’t match its new rival for quality.

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8 Comments

Nice idea Audi, but once the MINI Cooper S D comes out in March you'll be smashed out the field

By rakey7 on 18 November, 2010, 8:56am

Things are getting silly.....

Granted that the Mini is a bespoke machine, not like the A1 which is a clone of every other VW engineered small car, but with the current Mini Cooper D costing almost 16K, the forthcoming Cooper S D is bound to be the wrong side of 18K (and as the rumours go, not for that much extra power).

I just can't see myself ever paying that sort of money for cars like the Mini or A1 - not when you can get much more value for money and customer satisfaction elsewhere. These sort of cars also attract an image for the owner that negates any badge snobbery.

PS - with Skoda running their no VAT offer at the moment, the top of the range Fabia model using the same engine as in this A1 is just 12K which makes this car look just a tad ridiculous.

By gavsmit on 18 November, 2010, 9:15pm

the backend reminds me of a proton savvy????

By cosworth28 on 18 November, 2010, 10:27pm

I don't like it

but let's face it ANYTHING is better than one of those terrible MINI things.

By oliver144 on 19 November, 2010, 3:41pm

Yes have sat in an A1 (have not yet test driven it),and legroom in rear was fine, but and a big BUT at 5 foot 7 and a half(ish),there was no head room at all. In fact I went and sat in my Mini and it felt spacious in the rear. Good car but a 2 plus 2 (toddlers)

By morrilla on 23 November, 2010, 7:28pm

Excellent little car.

@rakey7 the Cooper S D won't do any better job of smashing Audi out of the field than the Cooper D, it already handles better than the Audi so if that is what you are looking for you would choose the Mini now, not to mention the S D's true competition would be the S1 if it ever comes along!

@cosworth28 you have either forgotten what the Savvy looks like or you need glasses, there is no particular similarity between the two!

@gavsmit while the Skoda may have a lot going for it it is simply not as fresh inside or out, it's interior design is especially dated, and while build quality is near enough to Audi the style does matter to some people! In addition, sharing a platform does not a clone make, so it is related to the Ibiza, Polo and Fabia, it doesn't LOOK related inside or out!

By cartmanuk_24 on 24 November, 2010, 10:23am

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By zzjjj89 on 31 December, 2010, 1:28pm

I found the A1 quite enjoyable to drive but sluggish. It needed a sportier version to provide any excitement and that makes the car much too expensive. Audi have now brought out a Quatro model that is very much quicker, more exciting but at a price of £40K makes it a ridiculous proposition for anyone. Indeed the basic models with optional extras are too expensive for such a small car.

By acegolfer2 on 27 February, 2012, 3:41pm

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Audi A1 1.6 TDi Sport
Audi A1 1.6 TDi Sport
Audi A1 1.6 TDi Sport
Audi A1 1.6 TDi Sport
Audi A1 1.6 TDi Sport
Audi A1 1.6 TDi Sport

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FIRST OPINION

    Audi estimates it will sell 18,000 A1s in the UK every year, and we have no reason to doubt that. It’s hugely desirable, from the way it looks to the quality feel inside. While it’s not as fun to drive as a MINI, it’s comfortable and classy and, in 1.6-litre diesel form, fast yet economical. Factor in strong residual values, and you’ve got a great all-rounder that’s set to be a hit.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £16,320
    Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 104bhp
    Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 10.5 seconds
    Top speed: 118mph
    Economy: 70.6mpg
    CO2: 105g/km
    Equipment: Bluetooth phone connection, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED front and rear lights, sports seats, sports suspension
    On sale: Now
     
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