Audi claim its new A1 is the next big thing. They reckon it will set new benchmarks in the small car segment, especially at the premium end. We spent some time in an A1 1.4 TFSI Ambition earlier this week and put Audi’s claims to the test.
Let’s start with the looks. Overall we rate the A1 pretty well in this area. There’s definite four-ringed styling cues, but the littlest Audi sold in Australia has enough individuality to carve its own niche. Okay, the wasabi green interior highlights of our test car may not be to everyone’s taste, but the A1 is about fun; to be honest, the bright colour tended to mellow the longer we spent in the car. The flashes of colour added to the cabin provide a welcome change and the ability to tailor choices to one’s taste is also refreshing to see.
Comparisons with MINI are impossible to avoid with the A1 and while the MINI might have the edge on exterior cheekiness—just—the A1 has a better built interior. Perhaps the A1’s slightly more conventional dash layout will win over those buyers who can’t get past the MINI’s dominant centrally mounted speedo, as well. So long as you’re not sitting in the back seat, the cabin of the A1 really is a great place to be. Audi has certainly achieved its aim of bringing a premium feel into a compact hatch.
