Audi A1 1.6 TDI Sport 3dr Car Review - January 2012

The Audi A1 1.6 TDI Sport 3dr is a small family hatchback car with a manual 5-speed gearbox. It’s powered by a 4-valve 16-cylinder 1598cc engine that can push from 0-62 mph in 10.5 seconds which is good enough for town and out-of-town driving. With the engine capable of revving up at 106 bhp at 4400 rpm and a 184 ft-lb torque at 1500 to 2500 rpm, this mini Audi hits a top speed of 118 mph. With a combined mpg of 74.3, this car is fuel-efficient!

The three trim levels starting from SE to Sport to S-line are: firm, edgier and stiff. Clearly the A1 is nothing like the MINI in the handling department. It lacks some balance and agility at the corners but the A1 has a lot of grip and resist roll at angles. The A1 is more refined than a MINI but the diesel engine can emit a slight jangle as it pulls away. There is no noise coming from the road though. Visibility is good.

The A1 1.6 TDI Sport is a looker. It certainly is the smartest-looking 4-seater car in its class. The interior is luxurious and spacious with superior quality that is unrivalled. The dashboard is well-laid out with all the switches and knobs within easy flicks. The interior and exterior are up for personalization with optional kits such as rear parking sensor and 3D sat nav. Trim inserts and metallic paint are exterior options.

Standards for the A1 1.6 TDI Sports are wheel alloys, air conditioning, electric mirror, air bags, CD player with iPod connectivity, alarm, deadlocks, seat height adjustment and more. Options are leather seats, cruise control, heated seats, electric panoramic sunroof and climate control to name a few. There certainly is no lack of equipment with an Audi A1 1.6 TDI hatchback. If you load up on the options, you could “create” a mini A8 limousine!

A1’s platform is patterned after the VW Polo that it’s no wonder that it scored a perfect 5/ 5 rating in the Euro NCAP safety tests. All the variants in the A1 series come with the standard airbags (6), ABS, traction control, side impact bars, belt pre-tensioners and three-point center belt. The A 1 may well be the cheapest Audi but it certainly is not a poor relation in terms of its looks and gizmos. Audi’s track record for theft prevention is terrific.

With a CO2 of 99g/km and a Green rating of A, the A1 is a great family car (albeit small). It would do for town and short out of town trips. Consumer reports show that A1 1.6 entails high servicing cost. Reports that the brand is not always at par with its status as a prestige car is worth noting. Warranty is three years/60,000 miles.

The Audi 1 1.6’s combined 74.3 mpg, a CO2 emission of 99g/k and a Green rating A are indications that this model is a cost-effective and energy-efficient car. It falls under the insurance group 14 and Road Tax A.

At £16,320, Audi 1 is a tad pricier than the MINI and VW Polo. However, the Audi has more standard features than the MINI and VW Polo and its depreciation value is not bad at all. A good value 5-year servicing package is also offered by Audi at a very low price. The brand’s reputation is enough leverage for a great resale value but the numbers presented here give the A1 a wider lead over its rivals, including the MINI, when it’s time to resell.