Vehicle: 2011 Audi A1 1.4T Ambition
Price as tested: CDN$27500 (Estimated)
Performance: Audi would love us to think A1 as the “next Big Audi”. Is it really as “big” or just a tarted-up small car? We will tell you after this test drive.
Our tester comes with Audi’s 1.4 liter turbocharged engine, which has both FSI direct fuel injection and variable valve timing technologies packed into this tiny package. All of these are enough to produce a good 122 ponies and 135 lb/ft of torque, which are considered as very good for a subcompact. What this engine offers are the level of refinement and sweetness you won’t find in any of the subcompacts. Its not only its a smooth operator right from dropping the anchor through the rev range. Its also completely lack of any turbo lag one associates with small turbocharged engine, if only this engine is more rev-happy at high rpm. Mated with this powertrain is Audi’s award-winning 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. Its not only the shifts are crisp and smooth, its dual-clutch variety helps motivate this 1575kg subcompact off-the-line with ease. However, the real form comes with the incoming twincharger with 160hp, which will make the lightweight A1 even swifter.
Handling: What makes the A1 differs from any of its rivals or any subcompact is the classy and expensive feel when getting behind the wheel. It all starts with the solid and rigid chassis, while the suspension calibrations are ideal for excellent ride and handling compromise. Our standard suspension is not only rides comfortably through all the roughness, it has a sense of suppleness you won’t find in any subcompacts. Its ride is firm but far from being harsh. Dynamically speaking, A1 handles surprisingly sharp even if its not considered as a hot hatch. Hot hatch will come in the form of A1 in 1.4TSI 160hp format. The suspension is firm and compliant when pushed through corners. os The electric power steering is sharp and precise, without all those twitches one associates with lesser package. All have done with minimal body rolls and understeer. To wrap up this luxurious subcompact package is the uninstrusive ESP, which allows any enthuisasts to have some fun before it starts to intervene into the equation. Considering how sporty the standard suspension our A1 has, you have to wonder how sweet and docile the optional S-Line sports suspsension is.
Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, A1′s stopping distance is short while pedal feels reassuring and confidence-inspiring. Its ABS has acted accordingly without having too much intervention. Brakes are fade-free even after a couple of harsh stops.
Interior: Fold down the rear-seats, A1 has surprising amount of luggage space. Combining the fact that the side wheel intrusions and low liftover, A1 has good enough luggage space judging by its physical dimensions.
When it comes to attention-to-details, use of materials and workmanship; Audi has always been judged as the leader in the industry. The A1 is no exception. It starts with a great set of instrumentation gauges and superb auto climate control, then add the initutive MMI to wrap up the ergonomic package. On the other hand, the use of materials are best-in-class. There are plenty of soft-touch plastic on top of the dashboard to door panels. The leather seats wrap the driver up without feeling confining.
While getting in and out of A1′s backseat is a PITA, judging by its physical dimensions, its rear head and legroom are more than adequate.
Conclusion: If the A3 continues to set the benchmark as the premium compact, which is a segment pioneeered by Audi back in 1996. The A1 will set a very high standard when it comes to premium subcompact. That’s because everything else from the classy interior to expensive driving feel, have set a high water marks, previously unmatched by anything else in its “size class”. If only Audi has set the admission price lower while not so much dim and nickelling……….!!!!
Competition:
Mini Cooper
VW Golf
Volvo C30
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Audi A1 1.4T
=====================================
Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3/5
Overall rating: 4/5