Audi A1 Sportback 40TFSI S Line (2019) Review
Fast Facts
Price: R488 000 (November 2019, without options)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol
Gearbox: 6-speed dual-clutch
Fuel economy: 6 L/100 km (claimed)
Power/Torque: 147 kW/320 Nm
Performance: 0-100 kph in 6.5 sec (claimed)
Price and warranty (November 2019)
As standard, the Audi A1 Sportback 40TFSI S Line sells for R488 000, and the price includes a 1 year/unlimited km warranty and 5-years/100 000 km maintenance plan. But if you want to make your A1 Sportback 40TFSI look like this one, you'll have to spend an extra R106 400, which is the total cost of all the options fitted to this particular test unit. Notably, you'll want to specify the technology package (R9 900) which gives you the Virtual Cockpit, smartphone interface and a different sound system.
Verdict
During our test period, the bright red Audi A1 Sportback drew a lot of favourable comment (and rubber-necking) from millennials that seem to be immediately drawn to this stylish new entrant from Audi. The fact that it combines good looks with a desirable badge will get many buyers to sign on the dotted line alone. We rate the standard specification as decent (remember, adaptive suspension is standard), but given the vast price difference between this model and the Polo GTI, you'll have to really want the 40 TFSI's performance (and badge) to justify the outlay, and then you'll still have to budget for a few extras to get the most enjoyment out of this cool little car.
Compared with its aged predecessor, however, this new A1 Sportback gives Audi a potent new entry-level model, but we suspect one of the smaller-engined derivatives, specced with more of the glitzy options, would be a better investment for most buyers.
Audi fans have had to wait very patiently for the arrival of new A1 Sportback. Now that it's here, however, does the Ingolstadt-based brand's premium compact hatchback represent enough of an improvement over its predecessor to again find favour with young, stylish and ambitious professionals? We...
www.cars.co.za








