Audi A1 1.6 TDI S line
Audi A1 1.6 TDI S line
What is it?
ALMOST 10 years after BMW launched MINI, Audi finally brings out a rival.
New VW Polo-based A1 supermini gets a swish exterior, an incredibly posh cabin and a host of personalisation options. Choose from 1.2 and 1.4-litre TFSI petrol turbos or what’s set to be the best-seller – the 105PS 1.6-litre TDI diesel tested here.
Editor’s note: Since this test was posted, Audi has updated the diesel engine to produce fewer CO2 emissions – now just 99g/km – with the result that company car tax rates are better; and the Audi A1 TDI is exempt from the London Congestion Charge. For more details click the Audi A1 1.6 TDI tag at the bottom of the page.
What’s hot?
- Slick styling looks great with contrasting roof rails and LED Lights…
- …modern approach is refreshing next to retro MINI
- Interior plastics and fit really are as good as an A4
- Plenty of space too; rear seats and boot much more usable than a MINI
- Optional contrasting trim helps to lift cabin ambience further
- All models get aircon, alloys, stop-start and iPod connectivity
- 3D sat-nav, Bluetooth and a 20GB music hard drive available too
- Diesel is pretty smooth and with 250Nm of torque, very punchy
- Returns 70mpg and emits just 105/gkm
- S line models get a neat bodykit and 17-inch alloys
- Five-year, 50,000 mile service plan costs just £250
- Residuals promise to be best-in-class. Prices start at £13,145
What’s not?
- Driving experience is good but just lacks the sparkle of a MINI..
- …you sit a little too high and the steering lacks feel
- Start to tick those options boxes and you could have an A3…
- …this diesel top spec S line-trimmed car is £17,495 for instance
- Service plan is good but MINI’s tlc package still beats it
What you need to Know?
| P11D Value: | 17,440 |
| Monthly Rental*: | 268 (CH)/£315 (PCH) |
| Tax Band when posted: | 13%, 13%, 15% |
| Monthly BiK: | Click link for BIK |
| Engine: | 1.6-litre 4cyl turbocharged |
| CO2 Emissions: | 105g/km |
| Power/torque: | 105PS/250Nm |
| Economy: | 70.6mpg |
Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.
Business Car Manager Road Test Rating
Is the A1 a MINI beater? Yes. It doesn’t quite offer the driving thrills of the BMW-made car, but in every other respect it edges ahead. There’s more space, better build quality and lower running costs on offer. Wrap it all up in a stylish, modern shape and add in a driving experience that really does distill a big car feel into a small package and you’ve got a winner.
