FiestaST
Honorary Master
CarAdvice review
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Audi A1 (Gen 2)
- Thread starter FiestaST
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi A1 2018 review
Should I buy one?
Audi thinks it knows what customers of its small cars want: an aggressive-looking car with a cool interior, please, a lot of exterior and interior colour and option choices, but mechanically something as reassuring and familiar as a bowl of soup.
The A1 gives them much of that: outside and in, it has the kind of appearance you’d expect of a small Audi, and mechanically it’s predictable, but thereafter it diverts from the script. The interior plastics and the ride are both brittle, but it’s more willing to turn than most recent Audis.
It’s an unusual car, then, the A1: at once a more conventional small Audi than ever, but at the same time one with some surprise lurking inside. That’s not all bad, but by no means all good, either.
Audi A1 Sportback 30 TFSI S-Line specification
Where Spain Price £21,660 On sale March Engine 3 cyls, 998cc, turbo, petrol Power 115bhp at 5000-5500rpm Torque 148lb ft at 2000-3500rpm Gearbox 6-spd manual Kerb weight 1180kg Top speed 126mph 0-62mph 9.5sec Fuel economy 57.6mpg CO2 111g/km Rivals Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Mini 5dr hatch
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/audi/a1/first-drives/audi-a1-2018-review
Should I buy one?
Audi thinks it knows what customers of its small cars want: an aggressive-looking car with a cool interior, please, a lot of exterior and interior colour and option choices, but mechanically something as reassuring and familiar as a bowl of soup.
The A1 gives them much of that: outside and in, it has the kind of appearance you’d expect of a small Audi, and mechanically it’s predictable, but thereafter it diverts from the script. The interior plastics and the ride are both brittle, but it’s more willing to turn than most recent Audis.
It’s an unusual car, then, the A1: at once a more conventional small Audi than ever, but at the same time one with some surprise lurking inside. That’s not all bad, but by no means all good, either.
Audi A1 Sportback 30 TFSI S-Line specification
Where Spain Price £21,660 On sale March Engine 3 cyls, 998cc, turbo, petrol Power 115bhp at 5000-5500rpm Torque 148lb ft at 2000-3500rpm Gearbox 6-spd manual Kerb weight 1180kg Top speed 126mph 0-62mph 9.5sec Fuel economy 57.6mpg CO2 111g/km Rivals Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Mini 5dr hatch
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/audi/a1/first-drives/audi-a1-2018-review
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New Audi S1 is not on the cards, hints Ingolstadt exec…
Audi’s head of communications has dropped a pretty hefty hint that we won’t see a second-generation S1, revealing that it’s “getting more and more difficult” to build such vehicles.
Speaking to CarAdvice, Peter Oberndorfer suggested a hot hatch based on the new-generation A1 Sportback was unlikely to be realised, stating that an S1 is “not foreseen on this platform”.
The news comes after Autocar earlier reported an all-paw S1 with around 185 kW would launch late in 2019.
“Honestly, it’s difficult with that platform, it’s difficult,” Oberndorfer told the Australian publication.
“This was quite an investment. You remember the first series of the A1 quattro was very expensive to build.
“The S1 was also not easy to do because it was done later; it was not originally on the platform. It was quite an investment.
“It was a great car, I had one [at] my house, but nowadays we have to focus more and more [on other developments] and it’s getting more and more difficult,” he emphasised.
Oberndorfer went on to intimate that the 40 TFSI derivative – which he described as “quite a fun car” – would be the hottest A1 of this generation, with its familiar turbocharged 2,0-litre four-banger matching the Volkswagen Polo GTI’s peak outputs of 147 kW and 320 N.m.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-audi-s1-not-cards-hints-ingolstadt-exec/
Audi’s head of communications has dropped a pretty hefty hint that we won’t see a second-generation S1, revealing that it’s “getting more and more difficult” to build such vehicles.
Speaking to CarAdvice, Peter Oberndorfer suggested a hot hatch based on the new-generation A1 Sportback was unlikely to be realised, stating that an S1 is “not foreseen on this platform”.
The news comes after Autocar earlier reported an all-paw S1 with around 185 kW would launch late in 2019.
“Honestly, it’s difficult with that platform, it’s difficult,” Oberndorfer told the Australian publication.
“This was quite an investment. You remember the first series of the A1 quattro was very expensive to build.
“The S1 was also not easy to do because it was done later; it was not originally on the platform. It was quite an investment.
“It was a great car, I had one [at] my house, but nowadays we have to focus more and more [on other developments] and it’s getting more and more difficult,” he emphasised.
Oberndorfer went on to intimate that the 40 TFSI derivative – which he described as “quite a fun car” – would be the hottest A1 of this generation, with its familiar turbocharged 2,0-litre four-banger matching the Volkswagen Polo GTI’s peak outputs of 147 kW and 320 N.m.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-audi-s1-not-cards-hints-ingolstadt-exec/
NeonNinja
Neon Resident
R450k at our shores then...
R450k you get a polo gti with 2-3 options ticked. an A1 equlivalent will bemore
NeonNinja
Neon Resident
Looks wise the Audi wins for me...
Definately, was even a fan of the previous one, wife had one.
still glad i didnt go for either this time round
NeonNinja
Neon Resident
Rated at 110kW vs 147kW of the PGTI. Meh, expensive...
genetic
Honorary Master
They are not making a gen 2 S1.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Those 1st Gen S1s are properly scarce.
Was keen on one, but manual only. And not practical enough at the time. spare wheel goes on the back seat
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Was keen on one, but manual only. And not practical enough at the time. spare wheel goes on the back seat
Lol true.
A Golf R for a relatively little more ZAR's much much more sense.
ChrisThomas
Senior Member
Ridiculous price, but I have to admit, that interior is seriously doing it for me. I had the previous gen and the handling was pretty decent and I enjoyed the car overall, but this one looks like a proper revolutionary upgrade, I'm sure it will be a cracking little car.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
In this guise it's a winner!
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New A1 has 1x USB-A port & 1x USB-C port:
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi A1 Sportback 30 TFSI Sport 2018 UK review
Should I buy one?
The Audi A1 Sportback amounts to an unusual upmarket supermini. Larger dimensions and that larger interior help to make it more class-competitive for practicality, and the car’s styling will endear it to some.
But, even in this second-generation form, I’m not sure it stands up as a totally convincing product in its own right. The A1 will probably make the most sense as an ownership proposition as a kind of complimentary good; when parked on a suburban driveway next to an A4, A6 or Q5.
As long as you’ve been led to the brand by another car, then, and you need a smaller, cheaper option as well, you might like it for the same reasons you like your other Audi. This is a car of readily apparent substance and some technological sophistication, that’s polished, reassuring, refined and rounded to drive; and some will consider that worth paying what is a fairly significant premium for.
But if you want a small car that’s big on desirability, personality and verve, I’m not sure the A1 will do much for you. By and large, I think the best small cars make up for their diminutive size with an enlarged and distinctive sense of self. And while that may really be the only thing this Audi is still missing, for a premium supermini, it's a fairly crucial thing.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-revie...udi-a1-sportback-30-tfsi-sport-2018-uk-review
Should I buy one?
The Audi A1 Sportback amounts to an unusual upmarket supermini. Larger dimensions and that larger interior help to make it more class-competitive for practicality, and the car’s styling will endear it to some.
But, even in this second-generation form, I’m not sure it stands up as a totally convincing product in its own right. The A1 will probably make the most sense as an ownership proposition as a kind of complimentary good; when parked on a suburban driveway next to an A4, A6 or Q5.
As long as you’ve been led to the brand by another car, then, and you need a smaller, cheaper option as well, you might like it for the same reasons you like your other Audi. This is a car of readily apparent substance and some technological sophistication, that’s polished, reassuring, refined and rounded to drive; and some will consider that worth paying what is a fairly significant premium for.
But if you want a small car that’s big on desirability, personality and verve, I’m not sure the A1 will do much for you. By and large, I think the best small cars make up for their diminutive size with an enlarged and distinctive sense of self. And while that may really be the only thing this Audi is still missing, for a premium supermini, it's a fairly crucial thing.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-revie...udi-a1-sportback-30-tfsi-sport-2018-uk-review
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi A1 International Launch Review
Audi's entry model has received a massive makeover... the newcomer comes to market brimming with new engines, updated tech, a smart infotainment system and more, all of which is wrapped in a stylish package. We headed to Spain to see if it's worthy of your hard-earned Rands.
The Audi A1 plays in the rarefied premium compact hatchback segment. BMW would argue its Mini products are rivals to the A1, which is fair, Mercedes-Benz can offer up Smart, but those funky cars have never really lit up the sales charts, Alfa Romeo's discontinued the Mito, Opel soldiers on with the Adam and the Fiat premium offshoot Abarth is decidedly a left-of-field choice. You could also argue that one of its rivals comes from within the VW family, in the form of the new, locally produced, MQB-based Polo. What we know so far is that the new A1 will again be priced in the premium bracket and, given the difference between it and the Polo (on which it is based), can Audi's newcomer offer that much more? Let's find out.
What's new?
Firstly, just look at it! It's a car dripping in attitude and the combination of sporty design and vibrant colours endows this car with a radical personality. It's palpable that this car is the polar opposite of what Audi usually comes up with and it represents a marked departure from typically conservative (and, no to be too unkind, largely derivative) design formula. Audi offers no fewer than 10 exterior colours to choose from, as well as the option of going the 2-tone route. Some of the colours have funky names too, like Turbo Blue and Python Yellow.
Secondly, the biggest change comes under the skin, where the new Audi A1 is underpinned by the MQB platform, which also forms the basis of the bigger A3, as well as several other products in the Volkswagen Group. The major benefit of going the MQB route is better packaging and more space.
Speaking of space, the new platform means the new Audi A1 is 56 mm longer, with a wheelbase that has been lengthened by no less than 94 mm. Width and height have both decreased by 6 mm and 13 mm respectively, but you'd be hardpressed to feel those changes. The luggage capacity is claimed to sit at 335 litres, which is 65 litres more than the outgoing model's.
There is a selection of engines available, all of them will make their way to South Africa. Kicking off the range is the A1 25 TFSI packing 70 kW and 175 Nm. Next up is the A1 30 TFSI, featuring the same powerplant, but in a higher state of tune (it produces 85 kW and 200 Nm). Both of the 1.0-litre motors are 3-cylinder mills. The range-topping version is the 2.0-litre turbocharged motor producing 147 kW and 320 Nm in the A1 40 TFSI. Petrolheads will notice that this is the same 4-cylinder engine as used in the Volkswagen Polo GTI. There is also a 1.5-litre petrol motor with 110 kW and 250 Nm, which we'll be getting from launch and it comes with an A1 35 TFSI designation.
All the derivatives that are bound for the South African market will be front-wheel driven (there's no quattro version) and exclusively offered with S Tronic dual-clutch (automatic) transmissions.
Tech changes
The new Audi A1 positively brims with many features pinched from the bigger models such as the A8. In terms of safety, the Audi A1 comes standard with lane-departure warning, a speed limiter and Audi Pre-sense at the front. You can optionally specify features such as adaptive cruise control with stop&go functionality as well as auto parking, to name but a few.
The first thing you'll notice when you step inside the new A1 is the completely overhauled cabin, which shows an impressive level of attention to detail. The infotainment screen is angled towards the driver, the air vent positioning forms part of the dashboard and there's the option of Audi Virtual Cockpit, which we think is a peerless infotainment system in this segment.
Standard safety spec is impressive too, with numerous airbags, automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. At the time of writing, this latest generation A1 had not been tested by Euro NCAP, but seeing as it's very closely linked to the Volkswagen Polo (which scored reasonably well), we think the Audi A1 should be one of the safest cars in its class.
What's it like to drive?
It would be a trifle unfair to simply label this A1 "a Polo in Audi clothing". While there is a considerable degree of mechanical overlap, the A1 feels more substantial and solid, undoubtedly due to the implementation of some additional NVH material, which gives the cabin a quieter ambience. The engine noise and associated vibrations have been snuffed out too; at idle, the newcomer gives you only the slightest hint that its engine is running... Let's not forget the luxurious cabin, with its extensive use of high-quality materials, either.
The first derivative we drove was the 2.0-litre turbocharged A1 40. Its 6-speed S Tronic transmission effortlessly flicked through the gears as we threaded our way on the rain-sodden roads of Malaga. We appreciated the powertrain's responsiveness and flexibility – the car didn't need to be in its sportiest setting to executive some brisk overtaking maneuvres.
Audi claims this version can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 6.5 seconds, which gives it quite a performance slant. Seeing as it is front-wheel-driven, tremendous wheelspin ensues when you summon all 320 Nm in 1st gear. Its real strength lies in overtaking ability, however: a deft flick of the left (downshift) paddle puts the engine right in the sweet spot and when in Dynamic mode, a mild induction roar and softer-than-expected exhaust pops accompany each gear change. Despite having the ingredients to be a pocket premium hatchback, the flagship version doesn't quite deliver the thrills... suffice to say this derivative is more GT than GTI.
There's no chance of an S1 version seeing the light in the immediate future either, according to Audi, which we find odd. The previous-generation S1 was hilariously good fun and despite the fact that its compact packaging ruled out the implementation of a dual-clutch transmission, the car's manual gearbox was more than up to the task. This new version of the A1 has the space for a bigger engine and we'd assume it'd be easy to fit a more powerful version of the celebrated EA888 motor... Watch this space!
The 2nd derivative that we drove is likely to be the range's volume seller in South Africa. The 1.0-litre will be available in 2 states of tune so we jumped into the higher-powered 85 kW/200 Nm A1 30. It boasts a credible 9.5-second 0 to 100 kph sprint time. Admittedly, it was fitted with a manual gearbox, which we won't be getting in Mzansi, but we were able to ascertain that the engine shows some eagerness as you pile on the revs, accompanied by the smallest of hums from the 3-cylinder motor. It comes on song around the 2 000-rpm mark and does not let up until the rev counter's needle nudges 6 000 rpm. It's an entertaining-enough car to drive, which makes up for the underwhelming experience of the 2.0-litre version.
Verdict
Before we pass judgement on the new A1, we must make it clear that the units we drove were European-spec and, at the time of writing, there was no indication of the trim levels that would be offered in South Africa. We'd love to see liberally equipped Audi A1s on local showrooms, but given our exchange rate instability, we wouldn't be surprised to find that some (if not most) of the nice-to-have features will be omitted from the standard-spec list. The alternative would be a product that's significantly more expensive than its predecessor.
That being said, the A1 feels expensive. If you bought one, you'd get a bigger car that offers excellent fit and finish, a premium driving experience, punchy powertrains and a smart and intuitive infotainment system with a slick interface. We'd lean towards the top-spec derivative with the 1.0-litre engine, as it offers spritely city performance and reasonable economy.
The bigger MQB platform has made the new Audi A1 bigger and the entire package is better for it. The new tech brings the A1 bang up to date (perhaps even to the forefront of its class) and the engines are decent. Our only gripe is the lack of driver engagement, even if it looks the part. Those 3 bonnet slats pay homage to the original Audi Quattro rally car; the newcomer can be kitted out with white wheels and made to look like a road-legal racer, and yet, in terms of the driving experience, the littlest Audi is no thrill ride. Does this matter though? Of course not, as the vast majority of A1 customers will be after image, refinement, comfort and connectivity. Just as well the new Audi A1 ticks those boxes with ease!
At this stage, pricing for the new A1 is not confirmed, but we can speculate on the starting price. The entry-level version of the outgoing model started at R304 500, but given the significant improvements incorporated in the new version, which will go on sale in South Africa in the 3rd quarter of 2019, we think the range will start in the region of R350 000.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/audi-a1-international-launch-review/45858/
Audi's entry model has received a massive makeover... the newcomer comes to market brimming with new engines, updated tech, a smart infotainment system and more, all of which is wrapped in a stylish package. We headed to Spain to see if it's worthy of your hard-earned Rands.
The Audi A1 plays in the rarefied premium compact hatchback segment. BMW would argue its Mini products are rivals to the A1, which is fair, Mercedes-Benz can offer up Smart, but those funky cars have never really lit up the sales charts, Alfa Romeo's discontinued the Mito, Opel soldiers on with the Adam and the Fiat premium offshoot Abarth is decidedly a left-of-field choice. You could also argue that one of its rivals comes from within the VW family, in the form of the new, locally produced, MQB-based Polo. What we know so far is that the new A1 will again be priced in the premium bracket and, given the difference between it and the Polo (on which it is based), can Audi's newcomer offer that much more? Let's find out.
What's new?
Firstly, just look at it! It's a car dripping in attitude and the combination of sporty design and vibrant colours endows this car with a radical personality. It's palpable that this car is the polar opposite of what Audi usually comes up with and it represents a marked departure from typically conservative (and, no to be too unkind, largely derivative) design formula. Audi offers no fewer than 10 exterior colours to choose from, as well as the option of going the 2-tone route. Some of the colours have funky names too, like Turbo Blue and Python Yellow.
Secondly, the biggest change comes under the skin, where the new Audi A1 is underpinned by the MQB platform, which also forms the basis of the bigger A3, as well as several other products in the Volkswagen Group. The major benefit of going the MQB route is better packaging and more space.
Speaking of space, the new platform means the new Audi A1 is 56 mm longer, with a wheelbase that has been lengthened by no less than 94 mm. Width and height have both decreased by 6 mm and 13 mm respectively, but you'd be hardpressed to feel those changes. The luggage capacity is claimed to sit at 335 litres, which is 65 litres more than the outgoing model's.
There is a selection of engines available, all of them will make their way to South Africa. Kicking off the range is the A1 25 TFSI packing 70 kW and 175 Nm. Next up is the A1 30 TFSI, featuring the same powerplant, but in a higher state of tune (it produces 85 kW and 200 Nm). Both of the 1.0-litre motors are 3-cylinder mills. The range-topping version is the 2.0-litre turbocharged motor producing 147 kW and 320 Nm in the A1 40 TFSI. Petrolheads will notice that this is the same 4-cylinder engine as used in the Volkswagen Polo GTI. There is also a 1.5-litre petrol motor with 110 kW and 250 Nm, which we'll be getting from launch and it comes with an A1 35 TFSI designation.
All the derivatives that are bound for the South African market will be front-wheel driven (there's no quattro version) and exclusively offered with S Tronic dual-clutch (automatic) transmissions.
Tech changes
The new Audi A1 positively brims with many features pinched from the bigger models such as the A8. In terms of safety, the Audi A1 comes standard with lane-departure warning, a speed limiter and Audi Pre-sense at the front. You can optionally specify features such as adaptive cruise control with stop&go functionality as well as auto parking, to name but a few.
The first thing you'll notice when you step inside the new A1 is the completely overhauled cabin, which shows an impressive level of attention to detail. The infotainment screen is angled towards the driver, the air vent positioning forms part of the dashboard and there's the option of Audi Virtual Cockpit, which we think is a peerless infotainment system in this segment.
Standard safety spec is impressive too, with numerous airbags, automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. At the time of writing, this latest generation A1 had not been tested by Euro NCAP, but seeing as it's very closely linked to the Volkswagen Polo (which scored reasonably well), we think the Audi A1 should be one of the safest cars in its class.
What's it like to drive?
It would be a trifle unfair to simply label this A1 "a Polo in Audi clothing". While there is a considerable degree of mechanical overlap, the A1 feels more substantial and solid, undoubtedly due to the implementation of some additional NVH material, which gives the cabin a quieter ambience. The engine noise and associated vibrations have been snuffed out too; at idle, the newcomer gives you only the slightest hint that its engine is running... Let's not forget the luxurious cabin, with its extensive use of high-quality materials, either.
The first derivative we drove was the 2.0-litre turbocharged A1 40. Its 6-speed S Tronic transmission effortlessly flicked through the gears as we threaded our way on the rain-sodden roads of Malaga. We appreciated the powertrain's responsiveness and flexibility – the car didn't need to be in its sportiest setting to executive some brisk overtaking maneuvres.
Audi claims this version can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 6.5 seconds, which gives it quite a performance slant. Seeing as it is front-wheel-driven, tremendous wheelspin ensues when you summon all 320 Nm in 1st gear. Its real strength lies in overtaking ability, however: a deft flick of the left (downshift) paddle puts the engine right in the sweet spot and when in Dynamic mode, a mild induction roar and softer-than-expected exhaust pops accompany each gear change. Despite having the ingredients to be a pocket premium hatchback, the flagship version doesn't quite deliver the thrills... suffice to say this derivative is more GT than GTI.
There's no chance of an S1 version seeing the light in the immediate future either, according to Audi, which we find odd. The previous-generation S1 was hilariously good fun and despite the fact that its compact packaging ruled out the implementation of a dual-clutch transmission, the car's manual gearbox was more than up to the task. This new version of the A1 has the space for a bigger engine and we'd assume it'd be easy to fit a more powerful version of the celebrated EA888 motor... Watch this space!
The 2nd derivative that we drove is likely to be the range's volume seller in South Africa. The 1.0-litre will be available in 2 states of tune so we jumped into the higher-powered 85 kW/200 Nm A1 30. It boasts a credible 9.5-second 0 to 100 kph sprint time. Admittedly, it was fitted with a manual gearbox, which we won't be getting in Mzansi, but we were able to ascertain that the engine shows some eagerness as you pile on the revs, accompanied by the smallest of hums from the 3-cylinder motor. It comes on song around the 2 000-rpm mark and does not let up until the rev counter's needle nudges 6 000 rpm. It's an entertaining-enough car to drive, which makes up for the underwhelming experience of the 2.0-litre version.
Verdict
Before we pass judgement on the new A1, we must make it clear that the units we drove were European-spec and, at the time of writing, there was no indication of the trim levels that would be offered in South Africa. We'd love to see liberally equipped Audi A1s on local showrooms, but given our exchange rate instability, we wouldn't be surprised to find that some (if not most) of the nice-to-have features will be omitted from the standard-spec list. The alternative would be a product that's significantly more expensive than its predecessor.
That being said, the A1 feels expensive. If you bought one, you'd get a bigger car that offers excellent fit and finish, a premium driving experience, punchy powertrains and a smart and intuitive infotainment system with a slick interface. We'd lean towards the top-spec derivative with the 1.0-litre engine, as it offers spritely city performance and reasonable economy.
The bigger MQB platform has made the new Audi A1 bigger and the entire package is better for it. The new tech brings the A1 bang up to date (perhaps even to the forefront of its class) and the engines are decent. Our only gripe is the lack of driver engagement, even if it looks the part. Those 3 bonnet slats pay homage to the original Audi Quattro rally car; the newcomer can be kitted out with white wheels and made to look like a road-legal racer, and yet, in terms of the driving experience, the littlest Audi is no thrill ride. Does this matter though? Of course not, as the vast majority of A1 customers will be after image, refinement, comfort and connectivity. Just as well the new Audi A1 ticks those boxes with ease!
At this stage, pricing for the new A1 is not confirmed, but we can speculate on the starting price. The entry-level version of the outgoing model started at R304 500, but given the significant improvements incorporated in the new version, which will go on sale in South Africa in the 3rd quarter of 2019, we think the range will start in the region of R350 000.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/audi-a1-international-launch-review/45858/
NeonNinja
Neon Resident
350? OK, I was expecting more than that.
I quite like the gen2 A1 - if I absolutely had to choose between the new polo and the A1, I would definitely go with the A1. I do think it will be even more overpriced than the polo....
Even the previous generation A1 was enjoyable for me. Wife has one and I occasionally had to take the “little” Audi when my A4 is booked for a service etc.
Even the previous generation A1 was enjoyable for me. Wife has one and I occasionally had to take the “little” Audi when my A4 is booked for a service etc.