The new Audi A1 Sportback
Quick Facts
- Price: From R359 900
- Power: From 85 Kw - 147 Kw
- Transmission: Auto
- Fuel consumption (claimed): 6.0 L/100 km
The Exterior - Now With an additional 56mm in length, the A1 Sportback has grown significantly from its predecessor and now measures 4.03 metres, following the great run that the predecessor had, selling over 13 700 units since its launch in 2011, the new A1 Sportback has a huge gap to fill but that should not be a problem. The new body's dynamic design characterizes the new A1 as the ultimate ideal companion in the urban environment while also being very well suited for longer journeys.
The wide track and short overhangs provide for a taut, sporty look. The wide, low-placed Singleframe grille and the implied side air inlets dominate the distinctive front. Below the edge of the hood are three flat slits – a homage to the Sport Quattro, the brand’s rally icon from 1984.
The distinctive daytime running light graphics of the full-LED lights (standard on 35 and 40 TFSI) echo the dynamic wing shapes from sailing, known as hydrofoils. The design of the shutters for the main light also draws inspiration from sailing. The wing segments on the flanks create an impression of maximum width. A low-set, concentrated look in conjunction with the small rhombus segments in the top section of the headlights provides a sporty appearance, personally I love this front-end of the new A1 Sportback.
The new A1 Sportback is available in a choice of ten colours and the roof of the compact model can be optionally finished in a contrasting colour from the A-pillar to the roof edge spoiler.
The Interior - Audi undoubtedly has one of the most beautiful interiors in the automotive world (my personal opinion) and they did not hold back in this particular A1 Sportback either. The new A1 Sportback looks much more spacious – making life much more comfortable for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers despite the compact exterior dimensions and the sporty roofline, adults in the rear seats still enjoy plenty of head and legroom.
Audi stated that the aim of the design was to achieve the sportiest interior in the compact class, and they have done just that. The interior is accordingly driver-focused, with its emotive, customizable design. The eye is drawn in particular to the sporty compact unit of air vent nozzles, hood and the digital instrument cluster. All of the controls and the standard MMI touch display are strongly driver-oriented thus emphasizing the special cockpit character.
The optional contour and ambient lighting package bring the interior design to life in the dark if desired through LED light elements in 30 selectable colours.
Fully digital: operation and display
The new Audi A1 Sportback is fit for the digital future. Even the basic version comes standard with a fully digital instrument cluster with a high-resolution 8.8-inch display. The optional Audi virtual cockpit with an extended range of functions presents comprehensive and diverse information such as animated navigation maps and graphics of some driver assistance systems in the driver’s direct field of vision.
The optional Audi smartphone interface ensures you are always well connected on board the new A1 Sportback. It integrates iOS and Android smartphones using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into an environment in the MMI programmed specifically for them and offers two USB interfaces (1x USB-A, 1x USB-C with increased charging current). Another option, the Audi phone box, thus ensures improved reception quality with LTE support and charges the smartphone inductively via wireless charging according to the Qi standard.
If you are looking to upgrade the technology on your A1, you are easily able to specify the Technology Package, which contains the Audi Virtual Cockpit; Audi Smartphone Interface and Audi Sound System for R9,900.
The Engines - There is a choice of three efficient petrol engines with outputs ranging from 85 kW to 147 kW. Turbocharging, direct injection and a particulate filter are standard.
Audi is making a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission available for the 1.0 and 1.5 engines. The exception is the top-of-the-range, 2.0 engine, where a six-speed S tronic transmission shifts gears as standard.
I know that the new naming conventions are not that easy to understand, so let me try and break it down for you, I was just as confused when I first saw the whole '30 TFSI, 35TFSI and 40TFSI' badges. (You can thank me later)
- The 30TFSI makes use of a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo-petrol that produces 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque.
- The 35TFSI uses the group's new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol that produces 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque.
- The 40TFSI uses the same engine that it's cousin the VW Polo GTI use, and the engine develops 147 kW and 320 Nm of torque. This is the engine you want if you want more performance and a bit of crackle and pops, it is, however, R100 000 more expensive than its cousin the Polo GTI.
Pricing
The Audi A1 range is priced as follows, along with the standard Audi Freeway plan (five-year / 100 000 km) and inclusive of all taxes:
- Audi A1 30 TFSI S Tronic at R 359,900
- Audi A1 30 TFSI Advanced S Tronic at R 373,900
- Audi A1 30 TFSI S line S Tronic at R 388,900
- Audi A1 35 TFSI S Tronic at R 429,900
- Audi A1 35 TFSI Advanced S Tronic at R 443,900
- Audi A1 35 TFSI S line S Tronic at R 458,900
- Audi A1 40 TFSI S line S Tronic at R 488,000 (a personal favourite).
