Only Audi can perfect perfection and this highly popular 5-door compact hatchback has launched as a sexier, smoother, slightly longer and ergonomically complete vehicle.
The A1 Sportback 30 TFSI 116ps S line S-tronic is just great fun and has many features that come to light through various driving conditions.
Let’s start with the inside story; the Apple Car-Play is a really important detail for those relying on their device for entertainment such as Spotify and general communications such as WhatsApp, the A1 is literally a mobile device!
The level of comfort is improved, in a more determined way, the driving position is really compact – potentially thanks to the slightly thinner/longer chassis build, and to the optional extra sport seats in the Sportback model.
Interestingly the driving experience is almost retro; ticking indicators, a gear stick with an S-tronic difference (as it’s not a ‘paddle system’ on the 3-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel as one may expect), the gear stick makes the transition and this brings back the fun of changing gear traditionally without the fuss of the clutch, and in turn makes the A1 perform equally as enthusiastically in both urban and rural environments; the weekly shop, school run and a burn in the country, great fun particularly in the dark with illumination from the light sensitive LED headlights, and talking of sensitivity the wipers are rain sensitive too… The sound system is as exciting as the drive – bursting out of the Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium system.
Looking back on the A1 experience (through the auto-dimming rear view mirror of course) it was a real pleasure. This is a small car with big car attitude, and the telltale sign of A1 satisfaction – no, we didn’t want to give the keys back…
Full Marks for the Audi A1
