FiestaST
Honorary Master
The Audi A1 CityCarver 30 TFSI Review - Cool, or Cringe? - JayEmm on Cars
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Audi A1 (Gen 2)
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
New Audi A1 Citycarver cross-hatch ruled out for South Africa
Audi South Africa has confirmed it has no plans to introduce the A1 Citycarver cross-hatch to its local line-up.
Revealed in July 2019, the front-driven A1 Citycarver boasts a raised ride height, larger wheels and extra body cladding when compared to the standard version of Ingolstadt's smallest premium hatchback. At the time of the unveiling, Audi SA said the A1 Citycarver was "under consideration" for a local introduction. Turns out the company decided against it.
“Although we’re not looking at bringing the Citycarver into the market right now, we think we have an efficient model portfolio in the A1 range, with the right mix of packages and options to suit our current market,” Tarryn Knight, head of marketing and product at Audi SA, said in response to a CARmag.co.za question during a recent online media session.
“We really believe in the offering we have on A1 right now and we aren’t looking at bringing the Citycarver into the market at this time,” she added.
www.carmag.co.za
Audi South Africa has confirmed it has no plans to introduce the A1 Citycarver cross-hatch to its local line-up.
Revealed in July 2019, the front-driven A1 Citycarver boasts a raised ride height, larger wheels and extra body cladding when compared to the standard version of Ingolstadt's smallest premium hatchback. At the time of the unveiling, Audi SA said the A1 Citycarver was "under consideration" for a local introduction. Turns out the company decided against it.
“Although we’re not looking at bringing the Citycarver into the market right now, we think we have an efficient model portfolio in the A1 range, with the right mix of packages and options to suit our current market,” Tarryn Knight, head of marketing and product at Audi SA, said in response to a CARmag.co.za question during a recent online media session.
“We really believe in the offering we have on A1 right now and we aren’t looking at bringing the Citycarver into the market at this time,” she added.
New Audi A1 Citycarver cross-hatch ruled out for South Africa...
Audi South Africa has confirmed it has no plans to introduce the A1 Citycarver cross-hatch to its local line-up.
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Nearly new buying guide: Audi A1 Sportback
Urbanites needn’t miss out on the luxuries of big premium cars
There’s no reason why a premium car has to be a large one, nor any good reason why a small one shouldn’t feature fancy technology. The original A1 wrapped all the good qualities of larger Audis in a nifty package that immediately became a hit, and although its successor grew a little larger around the waist, it embodies the same principles.
Engine choices are plentiful. At the top of the tree is a 197bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol (badged 40 TFSI) that’s paired exclusively to a smooth six-speed automatic gearbox. But more sensible options include the 148bhp 1.5-litre (35 TFSI), 113bhp 1.0-litre (30 TFSI) and entry-level 94bhp 1.0-litre (25 TFSI) turbo petrols.
However, it’s tech that really sets the A1 apart from other superminis, because even the base SE model (later known as Technik) has super-bright LED headlights and the sweeping indicators in the LED tail-lights you see on bigger Audis. There’s also a simplified, 10.25in digital cockpit, 15in alloys, a DAB radio, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking and 8.8in touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
www.autocar.co.uk
Urbanites needn’t miss out on the luxuries of big premium cars
There’s no reason why a premium car has to be a large one, nor any good reason why a small one shouldn’t feature fancy technology. The original A1 wrapped all the good qualities of larger Audis in a nifty package that immediately became a hit, and although its successor grew a little larger around the waist, it embodies the same principles.
Engine choices are plentiful. At the top of the tree is a 197bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol (badged 40 TFSI) that’s paired exclusively to a smooth six-speed automatic gearbox. But more sensible options include the 148bhp 1.5-litre (35 TFSI), 113bhp 1.0-litre (30 TFSI) and entry-level 94bhp 1.0-litre (25 TFSI) turbo petrols.
However, it’s tech that really sets the A1 apart from other superminis, because even the base SE model (later known as Technik) has super-bright LED headlights and the sweeping indicators in the LED tail-lights you see on bigger Audis. There’s also a simplified, 10.25in digital cockpit, 15in alloys, a DAB radio, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking and 8.8in touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Nearly new buying guide: Audi A1 Sportback | Autocar
Urbanites needn’t miss out on the luxuries of big premium cars
www.autocar.co.uk
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi A1 Sportback could be killed off, suggests firm's CEO
Audi’s CEO has dropped a heavy hint the A1 Sportback could be ditched, saying the Ingostadt-based firm “might not do a successor”.
Markus Duesmann suggested to Auto Express the company’s smallest model may well be the first to fall victim to the German brand’s shift towards electric vehicles.
“We do discuss what we do with the small segments – in the A1 segment, we have several brands that are very successful, so we do question the A1 at the moment,” he told the British publication.
“We will certainly offer the Q2 – that might be the new entry level for us – [but] we might not do a successor to the A1.”
Duesmann confirmed Audi had to “cut back” on internal combustion-engined vehicles as it placed more focus on electric mobility.
www.carmag.co.za
Audi’s CEO has dropped a heavy hint the A1 Sportback could be ditched, saying the Ingostadt-based firm “might not do a successor”.
Markus Duesmann suggested to Auto Express the company’s smallest model may well be the first to fall victim to the German brand’s shift towards electric vehicles.
“We do discuss what we do with the small segments – in the A1 segment, we have several brands that are very successful, so we do question the A1 at the moment,” he told the British publication.
“We will certainly offer the Q2 – that might be the new entry level for us – [but] we might not do a successor to the A1.”
Duesmann confirmed Audi had to “cut back” on internal combustion-engined vehicles as it placed more focus on electric mobility.
Audi A1 Sportback could be killed off, suggests firm's CEO...
Audi’s CEO has dropped a heavy hint the A1 Sportback could be ditched, saying the Ingostadt-based firm “might not do a successor”.
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Future of Audi A1 in doubt, revival of A2 as an EV on the cards
Audi boss says a successor to today's Audi A1, Q2 set to become the smallest model. A compact EV reviving the spirit of the A2 is mooted, however
The future of the Audi A1 is in doubt, due to the costs of electrifying small cars relative to the list prices that they can command, Audi boss Markus Duesmann has revealed.
Speaking to jounalists prior to the unveiling of the E-tron GT, Duesmann made it clear that a successor to today’s premium supermini – now in its second generation and sharing its platform with the Seat Ibiza, Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo – is looking unlikely.
He said: “We do discuss what we do with the small segments. In the A1 segment, we have some other brands [in the Volkswagen Group] who are active there and very successful, with very high production, so we do question the A1 at the moment.”
www.autocar.co.uk
Audi boss says a successor to today's Audi A1, Q2 set to become the smallest model. A compact EV reviving the spirit of the A2 is mooted, however
The future of the Audi A1 is in doubt, due to the costs of electrifying small cars relative to the list prices that they can command, Audi boss Markus Duesmann has revealed.
Speaking to jounalists prior to the unveiling of the E-tron GT, Duesmann made it clear that a successor to today’s premium supermini – now in its second generation and sharing its platform with the Seat Ibiza, Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo – is looking unlikely.
He said: “We do discuss what we do with the small segments. In the A1 segment, we have some other brands [in the Volkswagen Group] who are active there and very successful, with very high production, so we do question the A1 at the moment.”
Future of Audi A1 in doubt, revival of A2 as an EV on the cards | Autocar
Audi boss says a successor to today's Audi A1, Q2 set to become the smallest model. A compact EV reviving the spirit of the A2 is mooted, however
www.autocar.co.uk
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi A1 Sportback 30TFSI Advanced S tronic (2021) Review
Fast Facts
The base price for an Audi A1 Sportback is R441 000 (July 2021) and this test unit was specced up to R509 620. It is sold with a 1-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. The maintenance plan can be extended through an Audi’s Freeway Plan Extension.
Verdict
The Audi A1 Sportback distinguishes itself as a premium hatchback that oozes style and interior sophistication. With an asking price of R450k (before options), you certainly have to pay handsomely for the premium badge and sense of occasion that a model from the Ingolstadt-based brand’s stable provides. The newcomer finds itself in a very tricky position in the market; a similarly sized model such as the recently launched Peugeot 208 GT offers a fully-specced car at a lower price, while premium crossovers such as the Volkswagen T-Cross and Kia Seltos seem to be in greater demand at this price level.
The 2nd-generation A1 Sportback appears to be “a hard sell” despite offering good build quality, a perky engine and a balanced blend of sporty driving dynamics and a comfortable ride quality. However, it still represents better value than its direct competition, the Mini, and many buyers are likely to enjoy the peace of mind of a 5-year maintenance plan that comes with such a small car.
www.cars.co.za
Fast Facts
- Model tested: A1 Sportback 30TFSI Advanced S tronic
- Price: R441 000 (July 2021)
- Price as tested: R509 620
- Engine: 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol
- Power/Torque: 85 kW/200 Nm
- Transmission: 7-spd dual-clutch automatic
- Fuel Consumption: 4.8 L/100 km
- Load capacity: 335 litres
- Acceleration: 0-100 kph in 9.4 sec (claimed)
The base price for an Audi A1 Sportback is R441 000 (July 2021) and this test unit was specced up to R509 620. It is sold with a 1-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. The maintenance plan can be extended through an Audi’s Freeway Plan Extension.
Verdict
The Audi A1 Sportback distinguishes itself as a premium hatchback that oozes style and interior sophistication. With an asking price of R450k (before options), you certainly have to pay handsomely for the premium badge and sense of occasion that a model from the Ingolstadt-based brand’s stable provides. The newcomer finds itself in a very tricky position in the market; a similarly sized model such as the recently launched Peugeot 208 GT offers a fully-specced car at a lower price, while premium crossovers such as the Volkswagen T-Cross and Kia Seltos seem to be in greater demand at this price level.
The 2nd-generation A1 Sportback appears to be “a hard sell” despite offering good build quality, a perky engine and a balanced blend of sporty driving dynamics and a comfortable ride quality. However, it still represents better value than its direct competition, the Mini, and many buyers are likely to enjoy the peace of mind of a 5-year maintenance plan that comes with such a small car.
Audi A1 (2021) Review
The Audi A1 Sportback is the entry point to a brand that prides itself on innovation, technology and quality.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi A1 to be discontinued after current lifecycle says brand CEO
It looks like the Audi A1 moniker could be meeting an early demise when the current lifecycle comes to an end, according to brand CEO Markus Duesmann. The reason for this decision is the upcoming revisions to the European emissions standards.
Speaking to Automotive News Europe, Duesmann stated that the future of the Audi A1 was dependent on the final Euro 7 target. He says “We know that offering combustion engines in the smaller segments in the future will be pretty difficult because the costs will go up. Therefore, we won’t have a successor to the A1. If the new Euro 7 rules are not too harsh, it will allow us to invest more in e-mobility.”
The second-generation Audi A1 was revealed in June 2018 and is based on VAG’s MQB A0 platform, much like the current-generation Volkswagen Polo which was recently facelifted.
Duesmann’s comments correlate with those made by Renault’s current CEO Luca de Meo who stated that subcompact hatchbacks in these segments would double in price as soon as 2025 due to the rising costs of Europe’s stringent clean-air regulations.
While the Audi A1 may not see a direct replacement, Duesmann confirms that the brand has a clear strategy and framework when it comes to the electrification and digitalisation of its future products. He says, “Our targets for 2026 and 2033 are ambitious steps for us, but they provide a clear view to everybody on what must be done. When it comes to what I’m not happy about, it’s too early to say because we have only just begun.”
www.carmag.co.za
It looks like the Audi A1 moniker could be meeting an early demise when the current lifecycle comes to an end, according to brand CEO Markus Duesmann. The reason for this decision is the upcoming revisions to the European emissions standards.
Speaking to Automotive News Europe, Duesmann stated that the future of the Audi A1 was dependent on the final Euro 7 target. He says “We know that offering combustion engines in the smaller segments in the future will be pretty difficult because the costs will go up. Therefore, we won’t have a successor to the A1. If the new Euro 7 rules are not too harsh, it will allow us to invest more in e-mobility.”
The second-generation Audi A1 was revealed in June 2018 and is based on VAG’s MQB A0 platform, much like the current-generation Volkswagen Polo which was recently facelifted.
Duesmann’s comments correlate with those made by Renault’s current CEO Luca de Meo who stated that subcompact hatchbacks in these segments would double in price as soon as 2025 due to the rising costs of Europe’s stringent clean-air regulations.
While the Audi A1 may not see a direct replacement, Duesmann confirms that the brand has a clear strategy and framework when it comes to the electrification and digitalisation of its future products. He says, “Our targets for 2026 and 2033 are ambitious steps for us, but they provide a clear view to everybody on what must be done. When it comes to what I’m not happy about, it’s too early to say because we have only just begun.”
Audi A1 to be discontinued after current lifecycle says brand CEO
It looks like the Audi A1 moniker could be meeting an early demise when the current lifecycle comes to an end, according to brand CEO Markus Duesmann. The reason for this decision is the upcoming revisions in the European emissions standards.
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
End of the road for Audi A1
The Audi A1 won’t survive another generation.
Audi’s CEO, Markus Duesmann, has confirmed that the A1 will be axed when it reaches the end of its current model lifespan according to a report from Automotive News Europe.
The second-generation Audi A1 was revealed in 2018 which means it still has a few years of life ahead of it.
However, the business case for any small hatchback, from a luxury car brand, is becoming very difficult to justify.
Enormous pressure is being applied on cities to embrace electric vehicles, which has seen a huge offering of large battery-powered cars. These SUVs, crossovers and sedans, can operate in congestion or emissions taxed CBDs, with much lower cost, than a small petrol- or diesel-powered hatchback.
This is exactly the issue that Audi is trying to deal with. Although Ingolstadt has committed to electrification, with its very impressive new e-tron GT proving the point, there are limits to the viability for all models.
Duesmann commented that “A lot will depend on the final Euro 7 target. We know that offering combustion engines in the smaller segments in the future will be pretty difficult because the costs will go up. Therefore, we won’t have a successor to the A1. If the new Euro 7 rules are not too harsh, it will allow us to invest more in e-mobility.”
www.cars.co.za
The Audi A1 won’t survive another generation.
Audi’s CEO, Markus Duesmann, has confirmed that the A1 will be axed when it reaches the end of its current model lifespan according to a report from Automotive News Europe.
The second-generation Audi A1 was revealed in 2018 which means it still has a few years of life ahead of it.
However, the business case for any small hatchback, from a luxury car brand, is becoming very difficult to justify.
Enormous pressure is being applied on cities to embrace electric vehicles, which has seen a huge offering of large battery-powered cars. These SUVs, crossovers and sedans, can operate in congestion or emissions taxed CBDs, with much lower cost, than a small petrol- or diesel-powered hatchback.
This is exactly the issue that Audi is trying to deal with. Although Ingolstadt has committed to electrification, with its very impressive new e-tron GT proving the point, there are limits to the viability for all models.
Duesmann commented that “A lot will depend on the final Euro 7 target. We know that offering combustion engines in the smaller segments in the future will be pretty difficult because the costs will go up. Therefore, we won’t have a successor to the A1. If the new Euro 7 rules are not too harsh, it will allow us to invest more in e-mobility.”
End of the road for Audi A1
Audi CEO, Markus Duesmann, has confirmed that the brand's entry-level A1 won't see another generation as production costs become unviable.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
REVIEW | Audi A1 30 TFSI Advanced an ideal entry to buying a premium hatchback in SA
• We review the Audi A1 in 30 TFSI Advanced guise.
• The car is powered by a 1.0-litre engine with nippy performance.
• The A1 is not exempt from Audi's options list, which include cruise control.
I recall a time when almost every article I read on the Audi A1 concluded the same thing: it's a Volkswagen Polo with a steeper price. Heck, maybe they were right. Maybe the Volkswagen Group - parent company to both Volkswagen and Audi - is taking advantage of the trust global consumers have in their products. And while it may have been unfair to sell a rebadged Polo at a premium, it was a marketing stroke of genius.
What it did was open up a new revenue stream for the four-ring brand as the A1 became the most affordable model in Audi's portfolio. Fitted with small capacity engines and acceptable levels of technological features, the little car garnered the interest of both South Africans and the world. Locally, Audi had sold more than 13 700 first-generation A1s since it came to market in 2011. And in 2019, the second iteration of this car made its South African debut.
We recently drove the A1 in 30 TFSI Advanced S tronic guise, and while Audi has made significant leaps in terms of the product offering, there are some aspects we can't ignore.
www.news24.com
• We review the Audi A1 in 30 TFSI Advanced guise.
• The car is powered by a 1.0-litre engine with nippy performance.
• The A1 is not exempt from Audi's options list, which include cruise control.
I recall a time when almost every article I read on the Audi A1 concluded the same thing: it's a Volkswagen Polo with a steeper price. Heck, maybe they were right. Maybe the Volkswagen Group - parent company to both Volkswagen and Audi - is taking advantage of the trust global consumers have in their products. And while it may have been unfair to sell a rebadged Polo at a premium, it was a marketing stroke of genius.
What it did was open up a new revenue stream for the four-ring brand as the A1 became the most affordable model in Audi's portfolio. Fitted with small capacity engines and acceptable levels of technological features, the little car garnered the interest of both South Africans and the world. Locally, Audi had sold more than 13 700 first-generation A1s since it came to market in 2011. And in 2019, the second iteration of this car made its South African debut.
We recently drove the A1 in 30 TFSI Advanced S tronic guise, and while Audi has made significant leaps in terms of the product offering, there are some aspects we can't ignore.
REVIEW | Audi A1 30 TFSI Advanced an ideal entry to buying a premium hatchback in SA | Life
While impressive and wholly different to the first-generation, the Audi A1 still has a step or two to make if it wants to establish itself as a leader in its segment.
www.news24.com
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Juliet drives the Audi A1
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi S1 still not confirmed for subcompact hatch, product boss says
The current generation of the Audi A1 has been on sale since 2018 of which the flagship remains the EA888-powered 40 TFSI. While somewhat of a hot hatch, this isn’t considered a thoroughbred Audi S1. A new report suggests that this will remain the flagship of the range.
Speaking to Autocar, Audi RS3 product boss Marcel-Alexander Hübner said the RS3 will remain the smallest RS model for the foreseeable future because below that “we only have the A1 right now,” which is “not getting an RS version at the moment”.
The previous generation model based on the PQ25 platform supported the idea of an Audi S1. This model employed the Volkswagen group’s turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine with a power output of 170 kW and 370 N.m of torque. This was sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual exclusively due to there being no space to fit the firm’s self-shifting transmission.
One also has to consider whether an Audi S1 would be feasible for the brand. A recent report, sourcing information from Renault’s current CEO Luca de Meo, suggests that the cost of combustion-powered supermini B-segment hatchbacks from Europe such as the Volkswagen Polo and subsequently, the Audi A1, could double in price by 2025 due to the EU’s strict emission regulations.
Therefore, where an internal combustion Audi S1 is concerned, we may have to hold our breath. Looking into the future, there’s still somewhat of a possibility that the concept could return in EV guise.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/rumours/audi-s1-still-not-confirmed/
The current generation of the Audi A1 has been on sale since 2018 of which the flagship remains the EA888-powered 40 TFSI. While somewhat of a hot hatch, this isn’t considered a thoroughbred Audi S1. A new report suggests that this will remain the flagship of the range.
Speaking to Autocar, Audi RS3 product boss Marcel-Alexander Hübner said the RS3 will remain the smallest RS model for the foreseeable future because below that “we only have the A1 right now,” which is “not getting an RS version at the moment”.
The previous generation model based on the PQ25 platform supported the idea of an Audi S1. This model employed the Volkswagen group’s turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine with a power output of 170 kW and 370 N.m of torque. This was sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual exclusively due to there being no space to fit the firm’s self-shifting transmission.
One also has to consider whether an Audi S1 would be feasible for the brand. A recent report, sourcing information from Renault’s current CEO Luca de Meo, suggests that the cost of combustion-powered supermini B-segment hatchbacks from Europe such as the Volkswagen Polo and subsequently, the Audi A1, could double in price by 2025 due to the EU’s strict emission regulations.
Therefore, where an internal combustion Audi S1 is concerned, we may have to hold our breath. Looking into the future, there’s still somewhat of a possibility that the concept could return in EV guise.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/rumours/audi-s1-still-not-confirmed/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Should You Buy an AUDI A1? (Test Drive & Review 1.0TFSI MK2) - High Peak Autos
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Audi A1 and Q2 set to be discontinued as German brand moves upmarket
The Audi A1 and Q2 form the entry point for the premium brand’s respective hatchback and SUV line-ups, but now Audi CEO Markus Duesmann has confirmed that both models will be discontinued after the current generations have reached the end of their lifespans.
While the A1 and Q2 were conceived at a time when Audi wanted to make its brand more accessible to the masses, it appears that the company has now decided to focus on its upmarket models.
Duesmann confirmed the discontinuation of the A1 and Q2 in an interview with German publication Handelsblatt this week. He said the company would limit its model range at the bottom end and expand it at the top.
The CEO had already spoken of the A1’s demise in a discussion with Automotive News Europe last year. According to ANE, increasingly stringent European emissions regulations are forcing carmakers to rethink their small car strategies. It appears that the only way to meet these targets is to use hybrid electrification technology and while this cost can largely be absorbed in a bigger and more profitable model, the business case becomes somewhat tricky when you’re trying to get a small car to comply as the profit margins here are much thinner.
www.iol.co.za
The Audi A1 and Q2 form the entry point for the premium brand’s respective hatchback and SUV line-ups, but now Audi CEO Markus Duesmann has confirmed that both models will be discontinued after the current generations have reached the end of their lifespans.
While the A1 and Q2 were conceived at a time when Audi wanted to make its brand more accessible to the masses, it appears that the company has now decided to focus on its upmarket models.
Duesmann confirmed the discontinuation of the A1 and Q2 in an interview with German publication Handelsblatt this week. He said the company would limit its model range at the bottom end and expand it at the top.
The CEO had already spoken of the A1’s demise in a discussion with Automotive News Europe last year. According to ANE, increasingly stringent European emissions regulations are forcing carmakers to rethink their small car strategies. It appears that the only way to meet these targets is to use hybrid electrification technology and while this cost can largely be absorbed in a bigger and more profitable model, the business case becomes somewhat tricky when you’re trying to get a small car to comply as the profit margins here are much thinner.
Audi A1 and Q2 set to be discontinued as German brand moves upmarket
The Audi A1 and Q2 will both be discontinued after the current generations, Audi’s CEO has confirmed. Here’s why:
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi Won’t Replace A1 or Q2
It’s the end of the small Audi as we know it as the A1 and Q2 won’t be replaced.
Aspiration into the Audi brand will become a lot more challenging in the future. As reported in an interview with the Handelsblatt, the German automaker’s CEO, Markus Duesmann, has confirmed that Audi will discontinue the A1 and Q2.
Audi recognises the cost of its shift to electrification. Smaller platforms and lower prices don’t have the margin to justify electrification, making battery-powered A1s and Q2s an impossibility.
For Audi, the decision is to go upmarket, sacrificing its popular entry-level models such as A1 and Q2. This will come as a disappointment for those who saw A1 and Q2 as attainable and might challenge Audi regarding young customers.
A1 and Q2 enabled Audi to capture a more comprehensive age demographic in its customer base. Discontinuing these models, and focussing on more expensive vehicles, will undoubtedly alter the Audi age demographic in terms of ownership.
www.cars.co.za
It’s the end of the small Audi as we know it as the A1 and Q2 won’t be replaced.
Aspiration into the Audi brand will become a lot more challenging in the future. As reported in an interview with the Handelsblatt, the German automaker’s CEO, Markus Duesmann, has confirmed that Audi will discontinue the A1 and Q2.
Audi recognises the cost of its shift to electrification. Smaller platforms and lower prices don’t have the margin to justify electrification, making battery-powered A1s and Q2s an impossibility.
For Audi, the decision is to go upmarket, sacrificing its popular entry-level models such as A1 and Q2. This will come as a disappointment for those who saw A1 and Q2 as attainable and might challenge Audi regarding young customers.
A1 and Q2 enabled Audi to capture a more comprehensive age demographic in its customer base. Discontinuing these models, and focussing on more expensive vehicles, will undoubtedly alter the Audi age demographic in terms of ownership.
Audi Won't Replace A1 or Q2
It’s the end of the small Audi as we know it as the A1 and Q2 won’t be replaced. Aspiration into the Audi brand will become a lot more challenging in the future. As reported in an interview with the Handelsblatt, the German automaker’s CEO, Markus Duesmann, has confirmed that Audi will...
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi A1
WHAT'S THE VERDICT?
“As an ownership prospect the new A1 excels. But it's let down by poor road manners”
The Audi A1’s biggest failing is that it doesn’t drive as crisply and engagingly as it ought to. Does that matter? For 95 per cent of buyers, probably not. And even for the five per cent that do care, it’s hard to keep caring once you’ve seen the cabin design, packaging, the paint and trim options and so on. This is a desirable small hatchback.
Just to come back to the driving though. A while back Audi redid the A4, focusing on comfort rather than handling, and the results was the best A4 ever, a car that felt well targeted at its audience. The opportunity existed to do something similar here, to add some panache to the A1 experience. That Audi chose not to do that, and instead endowed the car with cheap road manners, is a pity. But not a deal breaker. As a visual object and an ownership prospect the A1 excels.
www.topgear.com
WHAT'S THE VERDICT?
“As an ownership prospect the new A1 excels. But it's let down by poor road manners”
The Audi A1’s biggest failing is that it doesn’t drive as crisply and engagingly as it ought to. Does that matter? For 95 per cent of buyers, probably not. And even for the five per cent that do care, it’s hard to keep caring once you’ve seen the cabin design, packaging, the paint and trim options and so on. This is a desirable small hatchback.
Just to come back to the driving though. A while back Audi redid the A4, focusing on comfort rather than handling, and the results was the best A4 ever, a car that felt well targeted at its audience. The opportunity existed to do something similar here, to add some panache to the A1 experience. That Audi chose not to do that, and instead endowed the car with cheap road manners, is a pity. But not a deal breaker. As a visual object and an ownership prospect the A1 excels.
Audi A1 Review 2023 | Top Gear
Second generation A1 is the cheapest way into Audi ownership. Rivals have it licked on driving manners, though
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Muzi Sambo review of the 2022 A1 35 TFSI
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Joe Achilles review of the 2023 A1
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CONSUMER WATCH | A1 owner loses love for Audi over infotainment issues and poor repair quality
An Audi A1 owner remains worried about recurring glitches plaguing her vehicle, primarily related to the infotainment and connectivity systems. In addition, she feels aggrieved over the level of service experienced by a panel-beater approved by the manufacturer.
www.timeslive.co.za