{"items":[{"title":"Audi A1 review: dinky hatchback is all grown up","body":"
Audi\u2019s new entry-level A1 is all grown-up. We\u2019ve been road-testing the baby hatchback, now with attitude\u2026.<\/p>\n
The outgoing Audi A1 was a little gem with its dinky looks, quality interior, premium finish and fun driving characteristics. The all-new model is more of the same, but improves in every area.<\/p>\n
Sharing a platform with its impressive VW Group cousins, the Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo, helps because both cars are right up there with the latest Ford Fiesta at the top of the supermini class.<\/p>\n
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The cute first-generation car\u2019s curves have been replaced by sharper styling including three flat bonnet slits which apparently pay homage to the Sport quattro, Audi\u2019s rally icon from 1984 \u2013 all giving the new A1 a much fresher, edgy look.<\/p>\n
Lower, longer and wider, the A1 is a more sophisticated proposition combined with an aggressive, muscular stance.<\/p>\n
Now only available as a five-door, the A1 Sportback is priced from \u00a318,450 and is currently only available with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with various power outputs ranging from 94bhp (badged 25 TSI) to 114bhp (30 TSI). A 148bhp four-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo (35 TFSI) and flagship 197bhp 2.0-litre turbo (40 TFSI) will follow.<\/p>\n
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Three main trim levels are offered \u2013 SE, Sport and S line, and there\u2019s a choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed S Tronic automatic. SE models come with LED front and rear lights, 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, an 8.8-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch driver\u2019s digital display, while all models also get autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane-departure warning.<\/p>\n
Further editions will be added, including the S line Competition (reserved for the powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine) as well as S line Contrast and Style editions.<\/p>\n
My 30 TFSI S Line test car had the technology pack ticked which means there\u2019s a bigger 10.1-inch infotainment screen, MMI Navigation Plus and wireless phone charging.<\/p>\n
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The basic model costs \u00a322,350, though all the options on mine nudged it to within a whisker of \u00a330,000.<\/p>\n
The premium interior is pretty much what we\u2019ve come to expect from Audi \u2013 the touchscreen is particularly impressive, offering the sharpest graphics you\u2019ll find in this class. The only slight surprise was to find unusually hard plastics on the doors and below waist level.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s not the only surprise. Fire up the three-pot turbo, put the pedal to the metal and refinement isn\u2019t quite what you\u2019d expect from an Audi \u2013 both from the engine and the road. That said, take it easy or get up to cruising speed and everything settles down nicely.<\/p>\n
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All is forgiven thanks to the remarkably punchy little engine, capable of 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds (but seeming swifter) and a top speed of 126mph.<\/p>\n
Emissions are a low 110g\/km, while fuel economy is a claimed 58.9\u202fmpg. Having driven it on motorways, A-roads and in town, I can assure you that 50mpg+ is very achievable, more if you resist the temptation to explore this car\u2019s performance to the full.<\/p>\n
The S tronic automatic gearbox is a joy, feeding in those gear changes with fantastic precision \u2013 all the more eager if you switch from the Efficiency or Auto driving modes, to Dynamic.<\/p>\n
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The ride is on the firm side, but it pays dividends when it comes to the A1\u2019s handling which is engaging, offering agility and admirable body control with good grip.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s easy to drive in town too, not just because of its compact dimensions, but visibility is good and the steering is light.<\/p>\n
The sports seats are comfortable and supportive, while there\u2019s a much greater felling of space inside \u2013 especially at the back where there\u2019s now plenty of room for adults. The boot is bigger too. Luggage space has increased by 65 litres to 335 litres and if you flip down the rear seats, there\u2019s a useful 1,090 litres of loading area.<\/p>\n
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The new A1 hasn\u2019t been tested by Euro NCAP yet, but it\u2019s packed with safety tech and we\u2019d expect it to achieve a maximum five stars, just like its predecessor.<\/p>\n
Finally, if personalisation is your thing, then there\u2019s amble opportunity with the A1. For instance, my test car looked especially cool in Turbo Blue with contrasting Mythos black roof.<\/p>\n
Verdict: The all-new Audi A1 Sportback has stepped up.to the plate. Fun-to-drive, practical, sharply-styled, spacious and eager, it\u2019s quite simply the best premium supermini on the market.<\/p>\n