Audi's second generation A1 Sportback brings big car standards to the small car marketplace. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The Audi A1 has firmly established itself as the ultimate supermini - the essence of democratic down-sizing. This second generation A1 Sportback is smarter, more efficient and better-equipped - and remains a seductive package for small car buyers. Luxury makers often cut corners to drive down the cost of their smaller models and it shows. Not Audi. In any form you choose, this A1 Sportback will always feel reassuringly expensive.

Background

What if you really could distil the essence of a large luxury car into a smaller, more affordable one? Many brands have promised us this but in reality, only one model has actually delivered it. This car, Audi's A1. It was launched back in 2009 in three-door form, based on VW Polo underpinnings, with a five-door Sportback body style added to the range in 2011. Half a decade on though, the A1 was starting to feel its age, especially against cheaper Volkswagen Group models like the fifth generation SEAT Ibiza and the sixth generation Volkswagen Polo, both of which made use of the group's more modern MQB platform. That chassis now undergirds the second generation version of this A1, now offered only in five-door Sportback form and only with petrol power. It gets the pick of the Wolfsburg conglomerate's latest green pump-fuelled engines, plus cutting-edge infotainment and safety technology, plus the chance for buyers to specify the Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation screen that's gone down so well further up the range. Sounds promising.

Driving Experience

There's a choice of efficient TFSI petrol units with outputs pitched between 95PS and 150PS, all enhanced by turbocharging and direct injection. Things kick off with the '25 TFSI' derivative, which has a 1.0-litre three cylinder unit offering 95PS. Next up is the '30 TFSI' variant, which uses a 116PS version of the same engine. Moving further on, there's the '35 TFSI' model offers a 150PS 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine which uses a cylinder on demand technology. Diesel power is notable by its absence. All engines can be linked to either a manual gearbox or the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. The chassis configuration is much as before, which means a straightforward torsion beam suspension set-up is still used at the rear. Tauter sport suspension is optional if you're happy to keep your chiropractor on speed dial, but it's better to upgrade yourseolf to adjustable dampers if you can. Driver-focused additions you can add include a sound actuator, red brake calipers, larger brake discs and the Audi 'drive select' adaptive dynamics system. This allows drivers to select from four modes that influence the driving characteristics: auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual.

Design and Build

The A1 Sportback has grown significantly in length in this second generation form - extended by 56mm: it now measures a fraction over 4m. Width and height remain much the same as part of a low-slung stance with short overhangs. The wide, low-placed Singleframe grille and the implied side air inlets dominate the distinctive front, above which are three flat bonnet slits which pay homage to the Sport quattro, the brand's rally icon from 1984.  From the side, there's a wide, flat sloping C-pillar that seems to push the car forward even while standing still. The roof contrast line, which is available in two dark colours, ends above the C-pillar. There are smarter 3D-style rear lights too. And inside? Well there's quite a spacious cabin with classy design highlighted by a fully digital instrument cluster with a high-resolution 10.25-inch display and a multifunction steering wheel. The virtual cockpit TFT instrument display screen that we're now familiar from other Audi models is optional for A1 buyers and offers an extended range of functions such as animated navigation maps and graphics of some driver assistance systems in the driver's direct field of vision. Adults in the rear seats enjoy reasonable head and leg room by supermini standards. Out back, luggage capacity is rated at 335-litres, and with the rear seats folded down, this increases to 1,090-litres.

Market and Model

Pricing is very definitely at the premium end of what you'd pay for a supermini, ranging from around £21,500 right up to around £28,000 bracket for the single five-door body style now on offer. For our market, there are 'Sport', 'S line' and 'Black Edition' trim options. With 'S line' trim, you get a more dynamic look courtesy of larger air inlets, additional sill trims, plus an elongated slit centrally below the bonnet with two fins and a larger rear wing. Buyers get a choice of ten colours which, as an option, can be combined with a contrasting roof colour extending from the A-pillar to the roof edge spoiler. The exterior mirror housings, the side front spoiler lips and the side sills are also available in a contrasting colour.  All versions can be equipped with the optional Navigation Pack or Technology Pack, the former adding hard disc-based MMI Navigation plus with a 10.1-inch MMI touch screen and the higher specification Audi Virtual Cockpit, and the latter both of the above plus the various internet-based services offered by Audi connect and Audi Phone Box wireless charging functionality. As for safety, well 'Audi pre sense front' autonomous braking and lane departure warning both now come as standard.

Cost of Ownership

Audi has concentrated on improving the efficiency in this A1 Sportback, and nowhere is that more clearly demonstrated than with the 1.0 TFSI engine models. This three-pot 1.0-litre engine in the 25 TFSI model is capable of returning 51.4mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and 124g/km of WLTP-rated CO2. In 116PS guise with the '30 TFSI' variant, this unit can manage WLTP figures of up to 53.3mpg and up to 120g/km. The 1.5-litre TFSI petrol unit in the 35 TFSI version doesn't do too badly either, managing WLTP readings of 47.1mpg and 137g/km of CO2. The evolutionary styling of this second generation model isn't going to send residuals of older A1s into a flatspin either, which will come as some relief if you're an existing owner, and should help protect the value of your trade in if you fancied chopping it in against a new version. As for maintenance, well servicing your A1 Sportback should be no more taxing than is the case with one of the company's larger cars. As usual with Audi models, there's a choice of either a 'Fixed' or a 'Flexible' servicing regime, the choice between the two depending on the extent of your likely annual mileage.

Summary

If you've ever wondered just how much style and luxury is really possible in a really small car, then it's worth trying one of these. In distilling the essence of 'Audi-ness' into something this compact, the German brand continues to set this A1 Sportback apart in the supermini segment, offering a balance between sportiness, quality and comfort that rivals are still struggling to match. True, ground-breaking technology isn't on the agenda here, but as Audi has already discovered, there's a place for that and it probably isn't in this very price-conscious sector of the market. What's more important is that if you climb out of an expensive A4 or A6 into an A1 costing half as much, the feeling is very much the same In fact, that's even more the case with this MK2 model with its smarter finish and hi-tech Audi connect infotainment options. All right, so in overall terms, the revisions made to this supermini aren't especially far-reaching, but then they didn't really need to be. There's still nothing else in this segment that's quite as polished and premium. The A1 then, remains a very expensive-feeling car that for you, may well be just about affordable. Exactly as Audi promised.

Body Glass

Rain and light sensors

Heated rear windscreen

Rear wiper

Heat insulating glass windscreen and side windows

Electric front and rear windows

Privacy glass

Brakes

Hill hold assist

Brake assist function

Electronic Stability Control including ABS, EBD, ASR and EDL

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear velour black floor mats with contrast stitching in fine silver

Chassis/Suspension

Sports suspension

Communication

Bluetooth interface

Voice control system

Audi smartphone interface

Audi connect emergency call and service

Driver Aids

Electromechanical power steering

Camera based traffic sign recognition

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Speed limiter

Lane departure warning system

Cruise control

Driver Convenience

Start stop system with recuperation

Driver Information

Driver's information system

Service interval indicator

Washer fluid level indicator

Driving Mirrors

Electrically adjustable, heated, folding door mirrors with integrated LED side indicator

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Silver grey inlays polygon structure in diamond paint finish

Aluminium trim for control switches, air vents and digital instrument cluster

Structured grey accent surfaces insert of air vents, interior door handle recesses and centre console in quartz paint finish

Black dashboard

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

2 x USB type C connection points

Exterior Body Features

Black side skirts

Body coloured bumpers

Radiator protective grille frame in matt aluminium silver

Radiator grille and rear diffuser in matt anthracite black

Front side air inlets in grained matt black and C frame in anthracite black

Rear side wing doors

Door sill trims with aluminium inlays and logo

Side front spoiler lips in grained matt black

Front wing badges

Exterior Lights

High level LED brake light

LED daytime running lights

Headlight cleaning system

Rear fog lights

LED headlights with range control LED rear lights + dynamic rear indicators

Interior Features

Leather gear knob with aluminium trim

Leather handbrake grip

3 spoke flat bottomed multi-function plus leather steering wheel with S badging, grips in preforated leather and contrast stitching

12V socket in centre console with two cup holders

Height and reach adjustable steering wheel

Stainless steel pedals

Black cloth headlining

Interior Lights

Interior lighting includes roof module, front and rear reading lights and right luggage compartment lighting

Packs

Black styling pack - A1 Sportback Black Edition

Technology pro pack with convenience key - A1

Ambient lighting package - A1

Luggage compartment pack - A1

Safety

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Seatbelt height adjustment for front seats

Front passenger airbag deactivation switch

Manual rear child locks

Driver and front passenger airbag with front side and head airbags

Tyre pressure loss indicator

Seatbelt monitoring

Audi pre-sense front with pedestrain and cyclist recognition

Seats

Front passenger seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Front head restraints

40:60 Split folding rear seat or fully collapsed

3 rear seats with headrests

Manual height adjustable for driver and front passenger seat

ISOFIX child seat mounting for front passenger and outer rear seats including top tether attachment point of outer rear seats

Manually adjustable lumbar support in front seats

Security

Immobiliser

Anti theft alarm

Anti theft wheel bolts

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 127

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 126

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 126

Engine and Drive Train

Number of Valves: 12

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Gears: 5 SPEED

Transmission: MANUAL

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Engine Code: GBACT4

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Camshaft: DOHC

Cylinders: 3

CC: 999

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 76.4

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 74.5

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 50.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 50.4

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 51.4

General

Service Interval Mileage: 19000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 17E

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Badge Power: 95

Badge Engine CC: 1.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Coin Series: Black Ed [Tech Pro]

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Coin Description: TFSI

Performance

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Power - KW: 70

Engine Torque - MKG: 17.8

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 129

Engine Power - BHP: 95

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - NM: 175

Engine Torque - RPM: 1600

Top Speed: 119

0 to 62 mph (secs): 11

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 215/40 R18

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Tyre Size Rear: 215/40 R18

Wheel Style: 7 SPOKE

Vehicle Dimensions

Width (including mirrors): 1940

Height: 1409

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 4029

Width: 1740

Wheelbase: 2550

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1100

Max. Loading Weight: 530

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1090

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1630

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.6

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 335

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 40

Driver Aids

Side assist

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Contrast roof - Mythos black

Metallic paint

Interior Features

Frequency microfibre dinamica/leatherette upholstery and S embossed logo + front sports seats

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - District green

Metallic - Progressive red

Additional Metallic - Dew silver

Metallic - Chronos grey

Metallic - Navarra blue

Metallic - Glacier white

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Arrow Grey

Safety

Pre sense basic

Service/Warranty

Audi warranty - 4 years or 75000 miles

Audi warranty - 5 years or 90000 miles

Trim - Part Leather

Frequency microfibre dinamica/leatherette - Black with silver contrast stitching with embossed S logo + front sport seats

Pulse cloth/leatherette - Black with silver contrast stitching with embossed S logo + front sport seats

Wheels - Alloy

18" 5 Y spoke design alloy wheels in phantom black high gloss

Wheels - Spare

Space saving spare wheel

Tool kit and Jack