Audi A1: Premium Taken To Extremes

Table of contents:

Audi A1: Premium Taken To Extremes
Audi A1: Premium Taken To Extremes

Video: Audi A1: Premium Taken To Extremes

Video: Audi A1: Premium Taken To Extremes
Video: Audi A1 против BMW 1-er сравнительный видео-тест 2024, March
Anonim

The second generation of the Audi A1 is now rolling out to dealers. Compared to its predecessor, the small car has made a leap - but also in terms of price.

For the now always four-door small car, which can already be ordered and will roll to the dealer at the end of the year, Audi initially charges at least 21,150 euros - 2,100 euros more than would be due for a comparable VW Polo.

spoods.de

The Wolfsburg-based man still provides the technical basis, but while the latest VW Polo generation was only slightly pimped up, Ingolstadt-based chief designer Marc Lichte let off steam. Evil look, sharp edges, bright colors and a front apron that would be worthy of a sports model, coupled with borrowings from history. The wide, inclined C-pillar and the ventilation slots between the radiator and bonnet are reminiscent of the legendary Ur- and Sport quattro models. That the air inlets are just fake? For free.

Analog instruments have had their day

The cockpit of the A1 Sportback. Photo: Audi
The cockpit of the A1 Sportback. Photo: Audi

There is little reference to the past in the sporty cockpit: analog instruments have had their day, instead a 10.25-inch display always provides information on speed, engine speed and more. It is a shame that an infotainment touchscreen is only available for an extra charge: it is common to be asked to pay for the high-end system, which is based on the luxury class. In the basic version, however, there is no cheap version in the center console, but only a nasty storage compartment! In contrast, the standard radio can only be operated by the driver via the instrument cluster.

In addition to the standard halogen headlights (LED costs just under 1000 euros), this is the second stinginess that the Ingolstadt-based company could have avoided in 2018; after all, they are already saving on materials. Although they are perfectly processed, they don't feel as high-quality as usual and quickly bring you back to the plastic-hard small car reality. There is nothing to complain about about the space, at least in row one. Even oversized drivers sit flawlessly here, while the three-seater back seat is as tight as ever. The luggage compartment has grown a bit, 65 liters are now in more, makes 335 liters to 1090 liters.

A1 to start with three petrol engines

At the start, three petrol engines provide propulsion: Before the 95 hp base model is submitted and the price probably drops below 20,000 euros, the Audi A1 30 TFSI with 116 hp marks the entry point. It draws its strength from a smooth-running one-liter three-cylinder, which thanks to turbocharging is superior to any lack of displacement. Paired with the crisp six-speed manual gearbox (optionally also with double clutch), the little engine is really fun, and beyond 3000 tours, the three-ender really does its best.

Amazing: Even at high engine speeds, the engine growls quite tame and you tend to forget gears five and six because the engine is so well on the gas in fourth. Audi specifies the standard sprint with 9.4 seconds, the Vmax with 203 km / h. The consumption should be 4.8 liters, we had a good six liters on the on-board computer with brisk driving style in the first test lap.

Four-cylinder with 150 hp

Above that, the 1.5 ranks in the 35 TFSI - Volkswagen's all-purpose engine with cylinder shut-off and also a choice of manual gearbox or seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The four-cylinder with 150 hp is a good all-rounder and offers sufficient sportiness (7.7 seconds on 100) without looking rowdy. However, Audi has not yet provided information on price and consumption. This also applies to the current top model. But the fact is: if you choose the A1 40 TFSI. decides, should increase the monthly tank budget.

The fun potential of the 200 hp 2.0 TFSi involuntarily drives the right driver's foot down and the thirst up - we came close to the double-digit range on our brisk test lap. For a small car, the A1 is extremely full on the road, steers precisely and its chassis with optional adaptive dampers works almost like a sports car - you have to control yourself not to fall into the lustful cornering.

Pure e-version unlikely

Image
Image

However, the powerful four-cylinder sometimes means it a little too well: If the full 320 Newton meters fall over the front axle at 1,500 rpm, the tires don't get the power onto the road that quickly; All-wheel drive is not provided for the A1. The standard six-speed double clutch works a bit rough at times. If the grip fits, the A1 accelerates to country road speed in 6.5 seconds and marches on up to 235 things.

Audi does not say a word about a possible diesel; although its brother Polo is available with a diesel engine, its future is uncertain; There is also nothing to be heard from Ingolstadt about electrification. A pure electric version is unlikely, petrol engines with 48-volt support could move in mid-construction. The A1 is up to date in terms of assistance systems: the lane holder and an emergency brake assistant are standard equipment, and there is a cruise control with stop & go function and an automatic parking assistant for a fee. For most customers, however, these are by no means the only extras from the long list, and it is unlikely that an A1 will leave the factory in Martorell, Spain for less than 30,000 euros. (SP-X)

Recommended: