After so many great products in recent years there was little doubt in our minds that Audi engineers will deliver a class act compact car. This is the Audi A1. Setting its sights on the segment dominated by the loveable Mini the Audi A1 needs to fill out a list of requirements that buyers in this segment want. Before the review, let’s look at the proposed buyer demographic in Malaysia. They are generally middle age, well educated, fashionable and somewhat in need to be 1st to the line with technology and style. Well that is what the public relations people will tell you. Now we will tell you the real Audi A1 buyer. Just about anyone with RM179,000 to spend! Yes, this car does not carry a specific buyer profile for Malaysia. In fact we believe that male or female will be drawn to the A1. Middle class buyers will like it a 2nd car. The rich buyer will like to have the A1 in their garage as a 3rd or 4th ride or maybe even a car for their 17th year old teenager just about to start college. RM179,000 is within reach for many, but it just says value for money when you look at all the current offerings available in Malaysia. Alfa Mito, Mini Cooper, VW Polo GTi and the soon to arrive Renault Clio Sport.
The front end with the dominating single-frame grille, the side line with the distinctive roof arch, the coupé-like C-pillars and the large wheel arches are among its defining style elements. The hood and the rear hatch wrap around the body. Audi offers xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running light strips and LED tail lights. The tail lights are already three-dimensionally styled in the base model and are unmistakable, day or night.
High- and ultra high-strength steels comprise two-thirds of the compact model’s body. The strongest of these are the hot-shaped steels, which draw their extremely high tensile strength from a dramatic temperature increase during the shaping process. Hot-shaped steels are used primarily within the passenger cell. They provide the basis for the precise, sporty handling, the good comfort, the quiet interior, the excellent passive safety and the low base weight.
The interior of the Audi A1 is spacious, bright and airy. The instrument panel bears resemblances to the unit found in the Audi A6 and the round jet engine shaped air-cond vents were retro. The clean, clear controls are every bit a classic Audi strength as the superior workmanship. Many lovingly designed details underscore the premium character of the A1. Innovative materials and modern colors emphasize the youthful character of the Audi A1. Whether color-coordinated air vents, LED interior lights or seat covers in expressive colors – customization is the key. The equipment program offers countless opportunities for matching the A1 to the driver’s own personal style. There are even a variety of paint finishes from which to choose for the roof arch. The Audi A1 comes with an infotainment and multimedia center that sets new standards in the compact segment. It borrows closely from the system used in Audi’s A8 flagship, including the monitor that folds out from the instrument panel and the control unit, which uses MMI operating logic. The 465 watt Bose surround sound system with 14 speakers is just one example of the additional high-end complementary features available. Convenient Bluetooth and wired interfaces are available for cellular phones and external players such as the iPod.
It is clear information that the Audi A1 shares its platform and drivetrain with the soon to arrive VW Polo GTi. However what the Audi A1 has over the VW Polo is a more dynamic and accomplished drive. It’s a better built car and there’s lots of technology crammed within its diminutive frame to ensure it can perform. Without a doubt, the previous VW Polo GTi one of the best-handling compact cars I’ve ever tested and terrifically rewarding to drive. So good in fact, that time seems to slow down when you drive it, allowing you to savour the experience. However this Audi A1 adds a new dimension to the word fun drive.
Many of today’s performance car buyers are not willing to accept compromises, which is why this Audi A1 will go down as one of the best value hot hatches ever built. It’s one of the most fuel efficient cars when cruising at highway speeds, yet has the kind of hard-edged performance that Audi TT owners have come to expect. What’s more, it’s safe, well built, stylish, and easy to live with. Whenever you’re cranking the A1 close to its limit, time slowing, adrenaline pumping, you can feel exactly what the car is doing – whether it’s understeering, oversteering, riding over ruts or about lose grip on its outside wheels. The idea of a vehicle being an extension of your body holds true for very few vehicles, but this one comes close. Pure driving enjoyment.
AUDI A1 TFSI Specifications
Engine 4-cylinder inline Turbo
Power 122hp @ 5000rpm
Torque 200Nm @ 1500-4000rpm
Capacity 1390cc
Transmission 7-speed S-tronic Semi-Auto
Top Speed 203km/h
0-100km/h 8.9 secs
Price RM179,900.00
