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Audi A1 1.2 TSI

We drive the smallest engined petrol to find out if the lighter, less powerful car is the pick of the A1 line-up.

Audi A1 front cr

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Otis Clay

December 2010

Big-car quality in a small, chic package – it’s no wonder the A1 is one of the hottest superminis in the UK right now. But can all that appeal come at an affordable price? Auto Express tried the entry-level 85bhp 1.2-litre TFSI-engined SE version to find out.

Costing £13,420, it’s still £300 more expensive then the 98bhp 1.6-litre MINI One, and a whopping £1,620 over the 95bhp 1.4 Citroen DS3 VTi DSign – even though it boasts less power.  Still, the TFSI unit impresses. It’s smooth and punchy, feeling faster than its 0-62mph time of 11.7 seconds suggests. Plus, it returns 55.4mpg and emits only 118g/km of CO2, so you won’t pay road tax in the first year of registration, and only £30 the next. This compares favourably with its rivals.

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

 

Tipping the scales at 1,040kg, the 1.2 TFSI is the lightest A1 – weighing 60kg less than the 1.4 TFSI and 100kg down on the 1.6 TDI diesel. And you can certainly feel that on the move. The nose eagerly points into corners, the steering is light and accurate (if not exactly brimming with feel) and it’s all very sprightly – around town, at least. There’s not the instant response of the diesel or the 1.4 TFSI when you want to overtake – but with 160Nm of torque, the little engine still copes admirably.

The 1.2 TFSI rides really well, too, proving firm but compliant, while there’s also much more space than you get in a MINI. While the price tag includes standard equipment such as air-conditioning, an iPod dock and 16-inch alloys, if you want contrasting roof rails – our test car did not have them, and they really help the A1 stand out – you’ll have to pay a further £350. Metallic paint, another desirable option, is £510.

The high-quality cabin, meanwhile, features beautifully weighted switches and stalks, along with classy materials. With solid residual values, this is one of the best A1 models in the range.

Rival: DS3 1.4 VTi DSign
At only £11,800, Citroen’s base DS3 makes the A1 look rather expensive. The perky 95bhp model is very appealing, too – spacious, good looking, a tidy driver and easy to personalise.

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5 Comments

A little comment on quality

This certainly looks like a quality car with attractive styling.
However, I am surprised that the undersides of the rear seat bases have not been covered.
When the rear seat bases are folded forwards, the foam padding and wire framing are unprotected and in full view.
In my opinion, that looks out of place on a quality car.

By jamesmclaughlin on 21 December, 2010, 1:45pm

I'm sure it will be reliable, good build quality, blah blah, other generic typical boring german comment.

But how on earth can they justify that price for a 1.2 super mini! I could understand if they had made it a real stand out car to get you noticed but its not, its just generic audi design with a typical bland german interior. Sure it will sell by the boat load still regardless of the blandness but I prefer my cars to have a little bit of heart and soul, not just boring old efficiency.

By AndyG on 22 December, 2010, 12:43pm

I got my A1 brochure months ago and fancied this exact model in SE spec. I must say, however, that the wheels seem different on your road test car, much more up-market, I'd say. As for Audi charging a lot for what is, in effect, their base model- well, they're all at it, starting with Mini. I priced a Mini One in 2002, and was shocked by how much that was going to cost with what I'd say were almost essential extras, so didn't bother. As for the contrasting roof rails, Citroen C3 Pluriel, anyone?

By n50pap on 22 December, 2010, 3:10pm

Are they scared to compare this to the Honda Jazz.. The Jazz simply blows this car away..

Mind you I dont; have a Jazz,, wife got the brochure sent to her after her C3 was paid off. Citroen must have sold customer details ..

By hugo_b on 23 December, 2010, 1:53pm

You are joking right?

I am not a particular Audi fan, nor do I particularly like the A1, but Hugo, you have to be joking when you say the Jazz blows it away? You MUST be? The Jazz looks like a car that would come with a nodding dog and a trilby in the back window as standard, and a minimum age limit. In fact it looks more like the car itself could blow away in a stiff breeze. It has to be one of the most boring small hatches on the market today, reliable or not.

By Debbie312 on 24 December, 2010, 6:20pm

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Pictures

Audi A1 rear track
Audi A1 interior
Audi A1 boot

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FIRST OPINION

    For most buyers, there’s no need to head further up the range – this entry-level 1.2-litre turbo petrol model has plenty of pace, and will be cheap to run. It’s ideal for nipping about town and can hold its own on the motorway, too. Thanks to its lightweight engine, it’s also fun to drive and has a comfortable ride. However, while the base price is low, you’d be advised to add nearly £1,000 in extras – such as contrasting roof rails and metallic paint – to make the A1 stand out and ensure strong resale values.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £13,420
    Engine: 1.2-litre TFSI petrol, 85bhp
    Transmission: Five-speed manual gearbox, front-wheel drive
    Top speed: 112mph
    0-62mph: 11.7 seconds
    Econ: 55.4mpg
    CO2: 118g/km
    Equipment: Electric windows/mirrors, air-conditioning, iPod compatibility, 16-inch alloys, split/fold rear seats
    On sale: Now
     
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