The Audi A1 Sportback is the entry point to a brand that prides itself on innovation, technology and quality. Does the premium hatchback truly embody those traits, or is too small of a step-up over a VW Polo to be regarded as a real Audi? We tested an entry-level 1-litre derivative to see what a base A1 is really like.
We like: Good looks, quality interior and surprising performance.
We don’t like: Poor value for money, lack of standard features.
Fast Facts
- Model tested: A1 Sportback 30TFSI Advanced S tronic
- Price: R441 000 (July 2021)
- Price as tested: R509 620
- Engine: 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol
- Power/Torque: 85 kW/200 Nm
- Transmission: 7-spd dual-clutch automatic
- Fuel Consumption: 4.8 L/100 km
- Load capacity: 335 litres
- Acceleration: 0-100 kph in 9.4 sec (claimed)
Audi A1 with a 1-litre engine?
The Audi A1 entry-level features a small, 3-cylinder petrol engine.
Car manufacturers scale production by sharing platforms and powertrains across as broad a range of models as possible. So yes, the A1 Sportback’s 1.0-litre engine and MQB A0 platform is shared with its Volkswagen Polo cousin (Audi is a subdivision of the Volkswagen Group, in case you didn’t know). In a bid to distinguish the models, Audi was tasked with making its premium hatchback’s underpinnings “feel” more upmarket than those of the Polo. It’s like being given the ingredients of a fast-food chain’s mass-produced ‘burger, but told you need to serve up a gourmet meal fit for a luxury hotel.
Nonetheless, the A1 Sportback has proved popular for Audi throughout the years; it’s an attractive option for buyers who are looking for a stylish city car that doesn’t need to be particularly practical.
How does the Audi A1 fare in terms of…
Performance and efficiency
In spite of the small engine, it still performs adequately for a premium hatchback.
Given that the A1 Sportback is larger than the model it replaced (in 2019), the introduction of a 1-litre turbopetrol engine into the package may seem counterintuitive, but it’s an impressive motor. With 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque on tap, there’s enough mid-range shove available to execute quick overtaking manoeuvres at highway speeds. It won’t blow your socks off with its performance (the 9.4-sec 0-100 kph time attests to that), but the diminutive Audis gains speed briskly once on the move. The typical 3-cylinder thrum isn’t as noticeable in this application and the combination of the motor and superb 7-speed S tronic ‘box makes the A1 is easy to drive in traffic. Those stepping up from a manual to an auto to avoid tiresome clutch action in traffic won’t find many better new-car options for the money.
If you’re looking for an A1 with more performance, check out our review of the 40TFSI model.
As for the efficiency of the 1.0TFSI, this A1 Sportback derivative ranks among the 10 most fuel efficient petrol cars currently on sale in South Africa (May 2021). Claimed average fuel consumption is 4.8 L/100 km and, after buzzing around in traffic for a few days, the test unit indicated a figure of around 7 L/100 km. After some weekend cruising, however, the overall figure dropped to 5.9 L/100 km.
Features and in-car tech
Every Audi should be optionally specced with the Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster layout.
You can quite easily spend close to R100k on tech and audio options on an A1 Sportback, but if you choose wisely and opt for more, well, prudent nice-to-haves, such as phone connectivity, parking sensors, cruise control and climate control you’d increase the asking price by around R21k. It’s a hard pill to swallow as those items are standard on something as entry-level as a Suzuki Swift.
Still, the Audi’s tech- and user interfaces look and feel upmarket in the same way a brand new top-of-the-range smartphone seems a trifle classier than a budget-friendly (but equally capable) example.
Our test unit was fitted with the Technology package (R10 400), which includes Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, plus Audi’s audio system and Virtual Cockpit (digital instrument cluster – a must-have). The Lights Package (R15 640) added LED head- and tail lights as well as dynamic indicators at the rear. LED interior lighting and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror completed the package.
The options list does allow a buyer to spec a car to their exact preference, which is in keeping with a premium-brand offering and the A1 Sportback’s tech options will not leave you wanting more, but it does seem as if Audi could have added some of the abovementioned modern conveniences to the 30TFSI Advanced S tronic’s standard-features list to add more baseline value…
Design and practicality
There’s more rear legroom available in the A1 Sportback than you might expect.
Suffice to say the A1 Sportback is no longer the tiny hatchback it once was. As a result, passenger space is quite acceptable for 4 occupants and while rear legroom is limited for taller people, the aft bench is not unduly uncomfortable to sit on. The load bay, meanwhile, is spacious – Audi claims a 335-litre luggage capacity and, if you need even more space, the rear seats can fold down in a 60/40 split.
When clad in this Misano red and Mythos black combination, the A1 Sportback stands out smartly in a parking lot. It’s a costly dual-tone combo that costs an extra R2 620 for the metallic paint, though, and to spec the roof in a contrasting colour costs a further R11 130. The 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels round off a very stylish look, so kudos to Audi SA for how it specced this test unit’s exterior – it looks just about perfect.
Pricing and after-sales support
The base price for an Audi A1 Sportback is R441 000 (July 2021) and this test unit was specced up to R509 620. It is sold with a 1-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. The maintenance plan can be extended through an Audi’s Freeway Plan Extension.
Verdict
A great design and powertrain might not be enough to net the kind of sales volumes Audi hopes to achieve with its newcomer.
The Audi A1 Sportback distinguishes itself as a premium hatchback that oozes style and interior sophistication. With an asking price of R450k (before options), you certainly have to pay handsomely for the premium badge and sense of occasion that a model from the Ingolstadt-based brand’s stable provides. The newcomer finds itself in a very tricky position in the market; a similarly sized model such as the recently launched Peugeot 208 GT offers a fully-specced car at a lower price, while premium crossovers such as the Volkswagen T-Cross and Kia Seltos seem to be in greater demand at this price level.
The 2nd-generation A1 Sportback appears to be “a hard sell” despite offering good build quality, a perky engine and a balanced blend of sporty driving dynamics and a comfortable ride quality. However, it still represents better value than its direct competition, the Mini, and many buyers are likely to enjoy the peace of mind of a 5-year maintenance plan that comes with such a small car.
