Audi A1 1.4T FSi Ambition S tronic
Let's get this straight at the outset. Audi know how to get interiors right. The new A1 is cleverly laid out. Cool looking too with exquisite attention to detail. From about the coolest looking air vent outlets this side of a Bentley to a pop up AV screen that dispenses with servo motors and fancy buttons. You just push it down and click it again, it pops up.
The car is small. Especially from the outside. It has the appearance of having no back seat. It does, of course, it just doesn't look that way. Not that rear accommodation is in the realm of generous. More like possible. The seats fold too. The boot space although much bigger than it would seem possible from the outside, does not inspire terms like cavernous. Luckily the rear seat backs split and fold properly flat. While discussing the interior, there are a lot of very well engineered bits. From Bluetooth, Bose sound systems and keyless entry to park distance control, beware though, even on this R270k Ambition model, most of the gizmos are extra. And expensive. Fog lights, sports seats, auto climate control, multi-function steering wheel and auto rain sensing wipers and auto on-headlights are about it in the deluxe package as standard. All the other cool must haves are paid for.
The engine is a gem. By now SA buyers should be accustomed to the VW/Audi principle of getting more from less. Small displacement engines with direct injection and superchargers to make them work harder. Lighter and more fuel efficient is the result. In this case the 1.4 produces a credible 90kW and a locomotive like 200Nm from only 1500rpm. This results in a bulletproof feeling 8.9 second sprint to 100km/h. The fuel consumption is claimed at 6.5l/100km and this is achievable. Hardly seems worth the diesel route at those numbers. The dual clutch box on the S-tronic box is, as usual, a delight and well worth the money over the manual. Goes faster and uses less fuel too.
The handling is good and reasonably sporty, but is definitely, unless the extra cost sports suspension is picked, tuned to compliancy. This is no R version, although I am sure one will appear on our shores soon.
A good entry into the micro segment, and for my money if affordability is not an issue this is the small car of choice, no question. At this price point one just feels things like Bluetooth should come standard.
