Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI 2016 review

Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

6 / 10

The 1.4 TFSI Sportback starts at $29,900 for the six-speed manual, with a mere $200 more landing you in the Sport seven-speed dual clutch. As if you wouldn’t unless you’re a dead-keen self-shifter.

The extra $2400 over the entry-level three-cylinder turbo buys you 16-inch wheels, an-eight speaker stereo with Bluetooth and special Audi cable phone connection, remote central locking, cruise control, selectable driving modes, floor mats, gear shift paddles, auto headlights and wipers, colour screen in the dash, upgraded cloth-and-fake-leather trim, leather steering wheel, power windows and mirrors and tyre pressures sensors.

Great fun can be had watching the people in the car behind you trying to work out why “that A3 looks so small.”

Our car had the premium paint with contrasting black roof ($1690), the $1990 Style package which adds Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and very cool 17-inch wheels with wider tyres (215mm). There was also the $2490 Technik package which boosts the speaker count to ten speakers and adds sat-nav, bringing the price to a somewhat sobering $36,270.

Audi’s MMI is mounted on the dash rather than the console owing to a lack of space (and mechanical handbrake). Like the Q3 it’s not in the best spot, but it does the job with a rotary dial, four context buttons that map to on-screen options and shortcut buttons for major functions.

Well-weighted steering and grip from the 215 tyres making corner-carving plenty of fun

All this is displayed and fold-down screen that sits in the middle of the dash. It’s probably a bit small for anything other than 20-20 vision but does the job, with a good sat-nav that is only let down by slightly jagged graphics.

Is there anything interesting about its design?

7 / 10

The A1 does look rather like the A3 – we noticed a lot of double-takes from passing punters and great fun can be had watching the people in the car behind you trying to work out why “that A3 looks so small.”

If you whipped the badges off, it would still be instantly recognisable as hailing from Ingolstadt – big grille, cool lighting and that crease down the side all conspire to make you feel that everyone knows you’ve spent a bit extra on your city car.

Inside the Sport has shapely front seats with fake leather inserts (that get really hot in the sun), leather steering wheel and a dash that takes its cues from the new A3 and TT with the circular air-con vents.

The rear bench is quite upright, with the squab up off the floor meaning that a six-footer can get in without grazing their knees on the driver’s seat (providing another six-footer is in front and doesn’t drive straight-armed like Stirling Moss).

Our test car’s alloys worked well with the dark colour and black roof.

How practical is the space inside?

What are the key stats for the engine and transmission?

8 / 10

Audi’s 1.4 litre TFSI engine does duty in the sharp-looking nose, generating 92kW (22kW more than the 1.0-litre three-cylinder) and 200Nm (up 40Nm).

With the seven-speed transmission, the 1.4 hits 100 km/h from rest in a very reasonable 8.9 seconds, while having a claimed 6.2L/100km. Expect to see well over 7.0 L/100km in real life.

How much fuel does it consume?

Warranty & Safety Rating

Basic Warranty

3 years/unlimited km warranty

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ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is fitted? What safety rating?

6 / 10

The A1’s five ANCAP stars come courtesy of six airbags, ABS, brake assist, traction and stability controls.

What does it cost to own? What warranty is offered?

What's it like to drive?

7 / 10

With the bigger engine comes a bit more weight over the 1.0 litre base model – 50 kg – but the power-to-weight ratio is improved and with selectable driving modes, there’s a bit more performance to unlock.

The 1.4 is a relaxing drive, with a good balance of torque, thrift and comfort. Despite the car’s tiny size, the ride is pretty good for front seat passengers, with just big bumps upsetting those in the second row.

While it isn’t a particularly lively performer, there’s plenty to work with on a country road, with well-weighted steering and grip from the 215 tyres making corner-carving plenty of fun.

Of course, it’s really meant for the city and it’s as good as any car in its natural habitat. If you’re in Dynamic mode, it’s a good point-and-shooter in traffic and is a doddle to park, partly because it’s barely longer than you are.

Pricing & Specs Insurance Quote

Verdict

Pricing Guides

$16,742

Based on 34 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.

LOWEST PRICE

$8,999

HIGHEST PRICE

$22,990

See all Audi A1 pricing & specs