Audi A1 Sportback 1.2 TFSI SE 5dr Car Review - February 2012

The A1 is well designed and has plenty of space in the cabin. Front seats are comfortable and there are plenty of adjustments to give an excellent driving position. The steering column also offers good adjustment and should accommodate any driver with ease. The rear is unexpectedly spacious for the car’s size: there’s adequate knee-room available in the back for adults, though the slanting roofline means headroom isn’t quite so generous.

The 1.2 TFSI engine is engaging; it’s the less potent of two petrol engines offered as options for the Audi A1. Generating only 84bhp, and peak torque of 118lb-ft means it’s not exactly rapid. It takes 11.7 seconds to achieve 0-62mph and the top speed of only 112mph is not earth shattering either. In town traffic you can pull away fine from junctions without problems, and acceleration is available in bursts when required for lane changing. When it comes to cruising, the 1.2 TFSI is relaxed and the engine doesn’t need a lot of revs to maintain a good speed. Overtaking poses no problem either. All in all, this engine offers the best balance for city traffic and cruising ability.

This A1 rides flawlessly with an agreeably weighty steering but it doesn’t have the sharpness or accuracy of the Ford Fiesta or Mini, which will be its main rivals. However, it’s agile, grips well and also corners without fuss.

It’s an Audi; which means it’s neat and stylish and pleasing to the eye. As usual, equipment levels are good; this version comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, airbags, alarm and immobiliser and CD+MP3 connectivity.

The Sport trim option offers: sports seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, polished tailpipe, aluminium trimmed switches in the cabin, door handles and sills and Bluetooth.
Range topping S trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, S line sports suspension, fabric and leather upholstery, leather trim on the steering wheel, sporty body styling and roof spoiler.

The A1 Sportback features many high-tech solutions in controls and infotainment, including the Audi connect system. Combining the media centre MMI navigation system, the Bluetooth online car-phone and the internet can be accessed directly from the car.

For further personalization there are optional extras including: climate control (£330), metallic paint (£510), cruise control ( £235), rear parking sensors (£305), Bluetooth (£300) and satellite navigation (£1175).

For its size it offers excellent space upfront and in back, along with an impressive boot space of 920 litres, (with the rear seats down) that you can really use.

The A1 scores well in the Euro NCAP with an overall rating of 5; with both active and passive safety devices, including ESP (electronic stability programme), electronic differential (EDL), ABS, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and anti-slip regulation (ASR); airbags for driver, passenger, front-side and head) and child seat anchor points (Isofix) . Security is taken care of with remote-central-locking, an immobiliser and alarm (Thatcham Category 1) fitted as standard.

Build quality and reliability is excellent. The car is well put together and to the usual high standards of Audi. As Audis have become more and more popular, the company has enhanced its ratings in buyer satisfaction surveys, and reliability has been an important contributing factor in this.

The A1 isn’t cheap to buy at £13,980 – but you do get an excellent premium super-mini for your money.

Like all versions of the A1, it comes with Start/Stop technology that cuts the engine when stationary in traffic. Fuel economy is good, giving an average of 55.4mpg. CO2 emissions are also reasonable at 118g/km, putting it in VED category C. Insurance is in group 9.

Residual values should be strong since A1s will be much sought after as a second-hand buy. Regular servicing costs should be low, thanks to Audi’s new 5-year/50,000-mile service plan.