Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi A1 Sportback 1.6 TDI Sport

New Sportback is set to build on success of the three-door

In Audi’s vocabulary, ‘five-door’ just won’t do – and this explains why the company has introduced a series of Sportback models. But while the tapered profile of the racy A5 Sportback has some credibility, the A1 is simply a conventional five-door hatch.

That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. With an identical wheelbase and footprint to the three-door, the proportions still look spot-on. And while the three-door can be ordered with contrasting roof pillars, the Sportback goes one step further. Its whole roof gets the contrasting colour treatment for £400. There’s a choice of silver, grey or black, and it really helps the car stand out. Sport trim has front foglights and a polished tailpipe, but it’s worth noting that the LED running lamps on our test car are only available on S line models.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Needless to say, as long as you’re willing to indulge the costly options list, there’s plenty of scope for personalisation inside and out. Still, even the basics impress. When it comes to quality, the beautifully built cabin is a match for bigger Audi models, while the smart yet simply laid out dash is functional and upmarket. The gloss black air vent surrounds and classy rotary switches are highlights. It lacks the character of the MINI cabin, but if retro isn’t your thing, the Audi will be the best option here.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Model S

2016 Tesla

Model S

78,000 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £18,999
View Model S
ProCeed

2021 Kia

ProCeed

30,406 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £15,700
View ProCeed
V60 Cross Country

2022 Volvo

V60 Cross Country

68,164 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £21,748
View V60 Cross Country
i10

2019 Hyundai

i10

33,026 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £7,935
View i10

A wide range of steering wheel and seat adjustment means the driving position is good, although with smaller front doors and the B-pillar pushed forward you feel a fraction more confined than in the three-door.

As the Sportback’s wheelbase is identical to the three-door’s, there’s no more passenger space in the back, but you do get three rear seats. The centre one is tight, so adults will struggle to make themselves comfortable, yet the extra seatbelt provides an added degree of flexibility compared to the three-door. Boot space is the same as the three-door’s, too, at 270 litres. That’s 10 litres more than in the MINI, so the Sportback just has the edge.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Unfortunately, this isn’t the case under the bonnet. The 1.6-litre TDI engine is fairly noisy, especially when starting and at low revs. It quietens down once you’re cruising, and as peak torque of 250Nm arrives at just 1,500rpm, performance is brisk enough. However, the Audi feels a bit flat compared to the punchier MINI, while even the smaller-capacity Chrysler gets close to matching the A1’s in-gear acceleration figures.

But the Ypsilon is left behind in terms of composure through corners, where the A1’s vice-free handling and high grip levels are very reassuring. Jump into the MINI and the sharper responses, more natural steering weighting and better body control leave the Audi feeling a little numb and uninvolving, but it’s still grippy and capable.

The biggest black mark against the A1 is the ride, which is needlessly firm. Sport models get stiffer spring and damper settings, although SE suspension is a no-cost option. 

Our car featured the less aggressive set-up, but the suspension was still uncomfortably hard over bumpy surfaces. The optional 17-inch wheels don’t help; they’re great to 

look at, yet we think the standard 16-inch rims would reduce tyre roar on motorways and improve overall refinement. 

On the plus side, the car won’t cost a lot to run: it emits 99g/km of CO2, features a smooth stop-start system and returned fuel economy of 39.8mpg on test. Superb residuals and affordable fixed-price servicing also ensure the Audi adds up. Plus, it’s £300 cheaper than the MINI to start with, at £16,880.

Despite a slightly noisy engine and a firm ride, the A1 Sportback lives up to its billing as a small car with a big-car feel, and the extra pair of doors really broadens its appeal.

Details

Chart position: 1
WHY: The five-door Sportback will broaden the appeal of our favourite premium supermini. It’s tipped to account for two-thirds of A1 sales.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £15,297
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £31,499
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025