The A1 is the smallest modern Audi and offers a truly premium vehicle in a segment more traditionally dominated by cars from non-premium brands.

The first observation was that the car is surprisingly spacious for an "A segment" vehicle which refers really to the car’s exterior footprint, or shadow.
But interior space is well utilised with a surprising amount of legroom for rear passengers and a fairly roomy luggage bay - those are usually the spaces to suffer.

What was also surprising was the A1’s agility. The A1 handled well with very fast and accurate steering, helped by an ESP stabilisation program with electronic li-mited slip differential.
Ride was excellent as was high speed stability.

BIG BROTHERS
The A1, in reality, is just a smaller version of its world-renowned big brothers. Audi is aiming the car at a "young and urban lifestyle-oriented public".
It would seem every manufacturer aims there, probably because that’s what we all wish we were. But the A1 will appeal to just about anyone who has got the boy-racer out of their blood and want a small car they don’t mind paying for.
Empty-nesters who no longer need a large vehicle, but who have become accustomed to a level of luxury and ride comfort, will find the A1 appealing.
So yes, the initial three-door version may be aimed at the younger fashion set, but once the five-door Sportback arrives it should have broad appeal.
However, certain customisation options make it clear that the A1 will be many drivers’ first premium brand car.

Options range from air vent surrounds and upholstery in a variety of bright and funky colours to stri-king LED interior lighting.
Perhaps one of the most eye-catching customisation opportunities is presented by the ability to choose from a range of contrasting colours for the A1’s
trademark roof arches.

Customers can even order some of the optional features after the initial purchase, in response to a new trend or personal whim.
The range of infotainment and multimedia systems on offer is drawn directly from the luxury class.
For instance, the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus system is a media centre that sets new standards in the compact segment.
It borrows from the system used in Audi’s new A8 flagship, including a monitor that folds out from the instrument panel and a control unit employing MMI logic.

SYSTEM
The connectivity package, which is based on the concert radio, includes a navigation system preparation so that a navigation system with map view can be installed at a later stage - probably with significant cost advantages.
The optional 465 watt Bose surround sound system is just one example of the high-end complementary modules that are optionally available.
In South Africa, Audi is rolling out the new model series with three four-cylinder engines - two TFSI turbo-charged petrol units, and a TDI turbo-diesel powerplant.

All of the engines follow the downsizing principle - they substitute turbo-charging for displacement and draw their fuel through direct injection units. The performance range extends from 63 kW to 90 kW.
A start-stop system and a recuperation system, which recovers energy during braking, help with fuel efficiency. Carbon emissions levels vary between 103 and 124 g/km.

The A1 is available with the marque’s seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission, which can also be operated manually, with shift paddles behind the steering wheel available as an option.
The A1 line-up will initially consist of six models, spanning a choice of three engines, two transmissions and two specification levels.

DYNAMIC
In addition, the sporty S-Line exterior package can be optionally fitted for an even more dynamic appearance.
The entry-level A1 is powered by a force-fed 1.2 TFSI four-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum power output of 63 kW at 4 800 r/min, linked to a 160 Nm torque peak sustained between 1 500 and 3 500 r/min. Four of the six A1 derivatives are fitted with a 1.4 TFSI turbo-charged petrol engine, credited with 90 kW at 5 000 r/min, and torque output of 200 Nm between 1 500 and 4 000 r/min.

The last engine on offer is a four-cylinder 1.6 TDI turbodiesel unit, delivering 77 kW at 4 400 r/min, together with 250 Nm between 1 500 and 2 500 r/min.

While the 1.2 TFSI and 1.6 TDI are offered only in conjunction with five-speed manual gearboxes, the seven-speed S-tro-nic dual-clutch transmission is available on both the Attraction and Ambition versions of the A1 1.4 TFSI.
All model prices include the Audi standard five-year or 100 000 km Freeway maintenance plan.

Pricing:
A1 1.2 TFSI Attraction Manual
R219 000;
A1 1.4 TFSI Attraction Manual
R235 000;
A1 1.4 TFSI Attraction S tronic
R252 500;
A1 1.4 TFSI Ambition Manual
R253 000;
A1 1.4 TFSI Ambition S tronic
R270 500;
A1 1.6 TDI Attraction Manual
R247 000.