Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018) Review
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Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018) At A Glance
Same efficient engines as the three-door, desirable image and enjoyable to drive, at its best with 1.4 TFSI engine.
Top models are fairly pricey especially when you start adding optional extras, firm ride on Sport and S Line suspension.
If you're looking for the newer model, you'll need our Audi A1 Sportback review.
Audi expanded its A1 line-up in 2012 when it added the Sportback model to take on the MINI, as well as more mainstream and practical rivals such as the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo. The Sportback condensed everything Audi customers loved into a smaller package but now with a big pinch of improved versatility thanks to the extra pair of doors for rear seat passengers. Its premium image meant A1 Sportback prices were steeper than an equivalent Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo, but the Audi justified this with a cabin that feels a very definite step up in quality.
The extra pair of doors significantly improved the A1’s versatility as it was now a whole load easier for rear seat occupants to get in and out. For a car that is often used to carry kids, this is a big bonus and it also made it simpler when fitting or removing a child seat. Another plus point was the Sportback rear bench offered seating for three rather than the two people the three-door model could accommodate.
The same high class approach as the three-door was applied to the Sportback’s equipment levels, which were generous even in the entry-point SE model.
It has alloy wheels, air conditioning, a stereo with MP3 connectivity and plenty of safety equipment. There is also a natty 6.5-inch infotainment screen that set the A1 apart from its competition at launch.
Sport and S Line models rounded out the model range at launch. The Sport added, firmer suspension, a Bluetooth connection and Driver’s Information System, while the S Line gained larger alloy wheels, even stiffer suspension and half-leather upholstery. Later in its life, the A1 Sportback gained a Style Edition option.
The most common engines are the 1.2- and 1.4-litre TFSI turbo petrols offered from launch. Both come with claimed fuel economy in the mid-50s and carbon dioxide emissions low enough to make road tax a non-issue. Both could be had with a manual gearbox or you could opt for the seven-speed S tronic with the larger petrol motor.
Audi added the 1.4-litre engine with cylinder-on-demand technology in 140 and later 150PS forms. These engines only provided fuel to half of the cylinders in light driving conditions to save fuel. Or, you could choose the twincharger 185PS 1.4 with a super- and turbocharger to give 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds.
A 1.0-litre TFSI engine was added in early 2015 with 95PS and this smaller engine feels very peppy and delivers 99g/km Co2 emissions and around 60mpg.
On the diesel front, the A1 started with a 105PS 1.6-litre unit with claimed figures of 70.6mpg combined economy and 105g/km CO2. A 143PS 2.0-litre turbodiesel became part of the line-up in 2012, while in late 2014 an improved 1.6 diesel was credited with 80.7mpg and 92g/km CO2 output.
All A1s are nimble to drive in town and are stable on the motorway. However, beware of the S Line’s harsher suspension as it brings an unwelcome crashiness to the A1’s ride without making it handle any better.
Reviews for Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018)'s top 3 rivals
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Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0 TFSI to 2.0 TDI
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 30–69 mpg
Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018): Handling and ride quality
However, the A1 SE doesn’t feel as agile as you might hope for in an Audi. This is where the Sport comes in and, as the name suggests, it has a suspension more focused on delivering driver excitement. It leans less in corners and has slightly better steering feel, but it’s still not in the same league as the Ford Fiesta in zigzagging roads.
While some might think the S Line is the more luxury-oriented model, its suspension is the firmest of the lot and too brittle in our view, which is amplified by the S Line’s larger standard alloy wheels. We prefer the balance struck by the Sport. If that lot doesn’t present you with enough choices, S Line models could be ordered with the more supple Sport suspension.
The rest of the A1’s driving ability is well controlled thanks to good grip and poise in corners. The brakes are strong and the
Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018): Engines
Audi launched the A1 Sportback with three petrol engines and a single diesel motor. The turbocharged 86PS 1.2-litre has a five-speed manual gearbox and was offered across all trim levels.
The 122PS 1.4 TFSI turbo petrol was available in the upper two trim specs with either a six-speed manual or seven-speeder S tronic auto ’box. Audi offered the 1.4 TFSI with 140- and then 150PS outputs, and there was also a twincharger 185PS 1.4 that used super- and turbocharging.
All three trims were offered with the 105PS 1.6 turbodiesel which is coupled to a five-speed manual transmission and this unit was later upgraded to 116PS. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel arrived in late 2011 with 143PS. It makes the A1 deceptively brisk but unless you’re a high mileage driver, you are probably better off with the one of the petrol engines.
This is especially so if you opt for the 1.0-litre TFSI with 95PS that pitched up in 2015. This is the pick of the engine range thanks to its pert performance and free-revving nature.
Whichever engine suits your requirements in the A1, they all come with a start-stop function as standard to save fuel when the car would otherwise be idling in traffic. There’s also energy recuperation to charge up the battery as the car slows down and each version has an electronic differential that prevents the wheels from spinning to aid cornering and stability.
Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018): Safety
Audi’s A1 Sportback shared the same full five-star rating from Euro NCAP for adult occupant safety as the three-door. Assisting here were standard twin front, side and curtain airbags, as well as adjustable rear seat head restraints.
Every A1 has ESP stability and traction control fitted, along with ABS anti-lock brakes and an electronic differential that prevents the front wheels from spinning during cornering.
The front passenger airbag can be switched off to fit a rear-facing child seat. In the back, there are two Isofix mounts, as well as three-point belts for all occupants.
Audi did not fit a space saver or full-size spare wheel to any A1 model, only a puncture repair sealant kit.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 TFSI | 64–67 mpg | 11.1 s | 97–102 g/km |
| 1.0 TFSI S tronic | 61–64 mpg | 11.1 s | 102–107 g/km |
| 1.2 TFSI | 55 mpg | 11.9 s | 118 g/km |
| 1.4 TFSI | 52–55 mpg | 8.9–9.0 s | 118–126 g/km |
| 1.4 TFSI 125 | 54–55 mpg | 8.9 s | 117–123 g/km |
| 1.4 TFSI 125 S tronic | 57–58 mpg | 8.9 s | 112–113 g/km |
| 1.4 TFSI 140 CoD | 58–60 mpg | 8.0 s | 109–113 g/km |
| 1.4 TFSI 140 CoD S tronic | 58–60 mpg | 8.0 s | 109–113 g/km |
| 1.4 TFSI 150 | 59 mpg | 7.9 s | 112 g/km |
| 1.4 TFSI 150 CoD | 57–59 mpg | 7.9 s | 112–117 g/km |
| 1.4 TFSI 150 CoD S tronic | 57–59 mpg | 7.9 s | 111–116 g/km |
| 1.4 TFSI 150 S tronic | 59 mpg | 7.9 s | 111 g/km |
| 1.4 TFSI 185 S tronic | 48 mpg | 7.0 s | 139 g/km |
| 1.4 TFSI S tronic | 48–58 mpg | 7.0–9.0 s | 112–139 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI | 74 mpg | 10.7 s | 99 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 105 | 74 mpg | 10.7 s | 99 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 116 | 71–81 mpg | 9.5 s | 92–104 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 116 S tronic | 71–76 mpg | 9.4 s | 97–106 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI | 69 mpg | 8.3 s | 108 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
75%
Real MPG
30–69 mpg
MPGs submitted
367
Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018) interior
- Boot space is 270–920 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3954–3973 mm |
| Width | 1746–1906 mm |
| Height | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2469 mm |
Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018): Practicality
The steering wheel feels that bit smaller in diameter and sportier than most of its rivals’. It really underlines the special feeling of the A1’s cabin and the wheel adjusts for height and reach to help fine tune the driving position.
Speaking of which, the driver enjoys a supportive seat with plenty of adjustment. Once you’re sitting where you want, all-round vision in the A1 is better than many superminis, especially the MINI.
Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018): Quality and finish
Compare the Audi A1 Sportback’s quality to any other supermini and its rivals come off second best. It’s not just a perceived sense of superior construction, it really is more substantial. There are no exposed screws or rough edges to any of the door pockets or cupholders.
If you stick with the SE and Sport models, the upholstery is cloth, though there were plenty of options for buyers to personalise these fabrics. Some finishes can be more eye-catching than others, so be sure to choose one that fits with you tastes. The S Line model gained half-leather upholstery for an even more premium feel.
Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018): Infotainment
Audi was among the first to offer an integrated infotainment screen in the small hatch sector in the A1. The 6.5-inch display rotates into position when the car is started and is easy to see where it’s position in the centre of the dash top.
In the SE model, it displays music choices from DAB radio or an MP3 player, but you have to opt for the Sport to get standard Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port. If you want the Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI) with satellite navigation and iPod connection, you need to find an A1 that had this installed as an optional extra.
The MMI is easy to use and our only criticism is the sat-nav screen now looks dated and is not as easy to read at a glance as more modern versions.
Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018) value for money
Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018): Prices
All of this means strong residual values across the spectrum of A1 models. While that means paying a little more than you would for a Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo of similar age, mileage and specification, the Audi will repay this when you come to sell.
Audi A1 prices on the used market start at around the £5000 mark, though this will be for higher mileage models. Nothing to fear here if the car has a full service record and been cared for.
Petrol models start at around £500 more than the diesel, while an average mileage car from early in the A1’s life will cost you about £6500 in our favourite Sport trim.
Step forward to a 2015 model and a 1.0 TFSI Sport with 60,000 miles comes in at £8500, which is more than you’ll pay for an equivalent Ford Fiesta but on a par with a MINI.
Choose one of the last first generation A1s from 2017 and you’ll be looking at a spend of around £11,500 for a car with 25,000 miles on the clock.
Audi A1 Sportback (2012 – 2018): Running Costs
If you want the most economical Audi A1, you need the 140PS 1.4-litre TFSI petrol or 116PS 1.6 TDI diesel, and both need a manual gearbox to be at their most efficient.
Choose the diesel and you’ll see a combined average of 58.5mpg using Real MPG figures, which is 77% of the claimed figure. Go down the petrol root and the 1.4 TFSI offers a real world 52.0mpg to deliver a very creditable 88% of its official figure prior to WLTP testing. In both cases, this means around 500 miles on a single fill of the 45-litre fuel tank is possible.
The majority of the petrol engines in the Audi A1 fall into Band C for road tax, so you won’t need to raid the piggy bank to afford this. However, the 185PS 1.4 petrol falls into Band E, which means a significantly higher rate of tax to pay for its added performance.
The less powerful 105PS 1.6 TDI engine resides in Band A (meaning zero VED), while its more potent 116 version and the 2.0-litre diesel fall into Band B.
Younger drivers will be drawn the Audi A1 1.2 TFSI SE for its group 9 insurance rating that makes it the cheapest model in the range to get cover for.
Our preferred 1.0 TFSI Sport with S tronic automatic gearbox comes in at group 15 for insurance, so it’s still easily affordable for most drivers to insure even if it’s not quite as cheap as a Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo.
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The Audi A1 Sportback SE comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, electric door mirrors and colour-coded covers for these items. Inside, you get a 6.5-inch infotainment screen with voice control, aux-in socket, and CD stereo with MP3 connectivity. Air conditioning is also included, along with electric front windows and a height adjustable driver’s seat.
The Sport adds firmer suspension and 16-inch alloys, more figure-hugging sports front seats, and leather-bound steering wheel and handbrake lever. It also has a Driver Information System, front fog lights and polished exhaust tip.
S Line customers get 17-inch alloy wheels and even further firmed-up suspension, a bespoke body styling kit, rear spoiler and S Line badging. Half-leather upholstery covers the seats and there’s a black headlining and aluminium door sill covers. There were also Black, Contrast and Style Editions based on the S Line with their own additional equipment.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3954–3973 mm |
| Width | 1746–1906 mm |
| Height | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2469 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1060–1215 kg |
| Boot Space | 270–920 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 9000–18000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £14,735–£24,820 |
| Insurance Groups | 9–29 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–E |
| Official MPG | 47.9–80.7 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until April 2019
On sale until March 2018
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.0 TFSI 95 Sport 5dr | £17,970 | 67.3 mpg | 11.1 s |
| 1.0 TFSI 95 Sport S tronic 5dr | £19,530 | 64.2 mpg | 11.1 s |
| 1.4 TFSI 125 Sport 5dr | £18,410 | 55.4 mpg | 8.9 s |
| 1.4 TFSI 125 Sport S tronic 5dr | £19,950 | 57.6 mpg | 8.9 s |
| 1.4 TFSI Cod 150 Black Edition 5dr | £22,795 | 56.5 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 1.4 TFSI Cod Black Edition S tronic 5dr | £24,335 | 56.5 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 1.6 TDI 116 Black Edition 5dr | £22,655 | 72.4 mpg | 9.5 s |
| 1.6 TDI 116 Black Edition S tronic 5dr | £24,195 | 70.6 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 1.6 TDI 116 Sport 5dr | £19,045 | 76.3 mpg | 9.5 s |
| 1.6 TDI 116 Sport S tronic 5dr | £20,585 | 74.3 mpg | 9.4 s |
On sale until February 2018
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 TFSI 125 S Line 5dr | £20,405 | 55.4 mpg | 8.9 s |
| 1.4 TFSI 125 S Line S tronic 5dr | £21,945 | 56.5 mpg | 8.9 s |
| 1.4 TFSI Cod 150 S Line 5dr | £21,200 | 58.9 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 1.4 TFSI Cod 150 S Line S tronic 5dr | £22,740 | 58.9 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 1.6 TDI 116 S Line 5dr | £21,040 | 76.3 mpg | 9.5 s |
| 1.6 TDI 116 S Line S tronic 5dr | £22,600 | 72.4 mpg | 9.4 s |
On sale until October 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 TFSI S line 125 5dr | £19,345 | 55.4 mpg | 8.9 s |
| 1.4 TFSI S line 150 5dr | £20,140 | 58.9 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 1.4 TFSI S line 150 S Tronic Auto 5dr | £21,680 | 58.9 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 1.4 TFSI Sport 125 5dr | £17,350 | 55.4 mpg | 8.9 s |
| 1.4 TFSI Sport 125 S Tronic Auto 5dr | £18,890 | 57.6 mpg | 8.9 s |
| 1.6 TDI S line 116 5dr | £20,020 | 80.7 mpg | 9.5 s |
| 1.6 TDI S line 116 S Tronic Auto 5dr | £21,560 | 76.3 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 1.6 TDI SE 116 5dr | £16,050 | 80.7 mpg | 9.5 s |
| 1.6 TDI SE 116 S Tronic Auto 5dr | £17,590 | 76.3 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 1.6 TDI Sport 116 5dr | £18,025 | 80.7 mpg | 9.5 s |
| 1.6 TDI Sport 116 S Tronic Auto 5dr | £19,565 | 76.3 mpg | 9.4 s |
On sale until December 2014
On sale until July 2013
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 TFSI Amplified Edition 5dr | £18,510 | 52.3 mpg | 9.0 s |
| 1.4 TFSI Amplified Edition S tronic 5dr Auto | £19,960 | 53.3 mpg | 9.0 s |
| 1.6 TDI Amplified Edition 5dr | £19,160 | 74.3 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 2.0 TDI Amplified Edition 5dr | £20,785 | 68.9 mpg | 8.3 s |
Model History
- November 2011: A1 Sportback launched
- July 2013: Audi A1 S line Style Edition added to range
- November 2014: 1.0 TFSI engine introduced
November 2011
A1 Sportback launched
Will become available in the UK in November 2011 with the first cars arriving with customers here in the spring of 2012. Carrying a modest £560 premium over each equivalent three-door A1 in exchange for greater convenience and five-seat capability, the A1 Sportback will be priced from £13,980 OTR.
Smallest wheel and deepest profile tyres size is 205/55/R15.
Although its compact, city-friendly dimensions very closely follow those of the three-door A1, the A1 Sportback is actually six millimetres taller and six millimetres wider, and inside offers slightly more head room and shoulder room as a result. It also makes provision for an extra passenger - up to three can pass through its rear doors and take a seat, each of them protected by a headrest and full three-point seatbelt.
Luggage compartment capacity is on a par with the three-door A1 at 270 litres with the backrests of the standard split/folding rear seat in place or 920 litres with the seat folded. The L-shaped, retractable head restraints do not have to be removed to do this. The loading lip is a comfortably low 66 centimetres, and stowage can be further simplified by an optional luggage package featuring usefully divided storage compartments under the loading floor and other amenities.
Features common to the SE, Sport and S line options available for UK A1 Sportback models include alloy wheels, remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front and rear windows and mirrors, split folding rear seat and a six-speaker single CD Concert audio system linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display.
Sport model additions include larger 16-inch wheels, sports suspension, sports seats, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation and a Driver’s Information System, while S line versions upgrade with extras such as an exclusive S line exterior treatment including larger 17-inch alloy wheels, S line sports suspension and leather and cloth combination upholstery.
The standard Concert audio system with its 6.5-inch retractable monitor and SD card reader serves as the foundation for options such as the connectivity package, which includes the Audi music interface (AMI), Bluetooth telephone preparation, Bluetooth audio streaming and a second SD card reader which prepares the A1 to accept SD card-based satellite navigation. The customer can activate the latter at any time via an Audi Centre at extra cost.
Externally, the options list for the A1 Sportback extends beyond the three-door version by offering customers the possibility to choose one of three contrasting colours not only for the roof line as in the three-door, but also for the entire roof itself as well as, in S line models, the spoiler that extends from it. The Sportback will also expand on the eleven paint colours available for the three door with a twelfth – Samoa Orange – that will be available exclusively for the new five-door.
The A1 Sportback range will initially feature a choice of three TFSI petrol engines and one TDI diesel producing between 86PS and 185PS. All bar the 185PS unit will have their impressive efficiency further enhanced by an engine start-stop system.
The 1.2-litre TFSI (86PS), 1.4-litre TFSI (122PS), 1.4-litre twin-charger TFSI (185PS) and 1.6-litre TDI (105PS) line-up will be joined in the summer of 2012 by a fifth member – the 2.0-litre TDI with 143PS. Just introduced into the three-door A1 line-up, it will power the A1 Sportback 2.0 TDI to 62mph in 8.5 seconds, and has the potential for 68.9mpg according to the combined cycle test.
In line with the three-door A1 range, the 1.6-litre TDI model will again be the efficiency standard-bearer for the Sportback, combining its 105PS output with the potential for 74.3mpg and a congestion charge and VED-eliminating 99 gram CO2output per kilometre.
The performance flagship – the turbocharged and supercharged 1.4 TFSI 185PS - will feature the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox with its exceptionally rapid shifts as standard, helping it to sprint to 62mph from rest in 7.0 seconds on the way to a top speed of 141mph. This much-praised, performance-oriented transmission will also be available as an option for the 1.4 TFSI with 122PS. All other versions use quick and smooth-shifting manual transmissions.
Thanks in part to these relatively light, compact engines, weight distribution in the A1 Sportback is remarkably even front-to-rear. Combined with short overhangs, sophisticated front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension and the latest generation Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with electronic axle differential, this makes for a compliant ride and well-balanced handling that is also nimble and fun. This is especially true of the Sport models with their tauter set-up, and even more so with the S line-specific settings.
| SE Model pricing | ||||||
| Petrol - SE | ||||||
| Engines | Power | CO 2 g/km |
Transmission | Basic RRP | Total RRP | OTR Price |
| 1.2TFSI SE Manual | 86PS | 118 | 5-speed manual | £11,112.50 | £13,335 | £13,980 |
| Diesel - SE | ||||||
| Engines | Power | CO 2 g/km |
Transmission | Basic RRP | Total RRP | OTR Price |
| 1.6TDI SE Manual | 105PS | 99 | 5-speed manual | £11,995.83 | £14,395.00 | £15,040 |
| Sport Model pricing | ||||||
| Petrol - Sport | ||||||
| Engines | Power | CO 2 g/km |
Transmission | Basic RRP | Total RRP | OTR Price |
| 1.2TFSI Sport Manual | 86PS | 118 | 5-speed manual | £12,645.83 | £15,175 | £15,820 |
| 1.4TFSI Sport Manual | 122PS | 126 | 6-speed manual | £12,987.50 | £15,585 | £16,230 |
| 1.4TFSI Sport S tronic | 122PS | 119 | 7-speed S tronic | £14,195.83 | £17,035 | £17,680 |
| Diesel - Sport | ||||||
| Engines | Power | CO 2 g/km |
Transmission | Basic RRP | Total RRP | OTR Price |
| 1.6TDI Sport Manual | 105PS | 99 | 5-speed manual | £13,529.17 | £16,235.00 | £16,880 |
| S line Model pricing | ||||||
| Petrol - S line | ||||||
| Engines | Power | CO 2 g/km |
Transmission | Basic RRP | Total RRP | OTR Price |
| 1.2TFSI S line Manual | 86PS | 118 | 5-speed manual | £13,933.33 | £16,720 | £17,365 |
| 1.4TFSI S line Manual | 122PS | 126 | 6-speed manual | £14,275.00 | £17,130 | £17,775 |
| 1.4TFSI S line S tronic | 122PS | 122 | 7-speed S tronic | £15,483.33 | £18,580 | £19,225 |
| 1.4TFSI S line S tronic | 185PS | 139 | 7-speed S tronic | £17,091.67 | £20,510 | £21,270 |
| Diesel - S line | ||||||
| Engines | Power | CO 2 g/km |
Transmission | Basic RRP | Total RRP | OTR Price |
| 1.6TDI S line Manual | 105PS | 99 | 5-speed manual | £14,816.67 | £17,780.00 | £18,425 |
July 2013
Audi A1 S line Style Edition added to range
The new S line Style Edition upgrade includes metallic or pearl-effect paint finishes in a choice of Ice Silver, Phantom Black, Misano Red or Glacier White colour schemes. These are complemented by a gloss black finish for the contrasting roof line in three-door versions, and a fully gloss black contrasting roof in Sportback models, both of which also feature gloss black door mirror housings. An additional black styling package also brings a gloss finish for the single frame front grille surround and a matt black finish for the grille, fog light surrounds and number plate holder.
S line versions of the A1 are already marked out by exclusive S line exterior styling treatments for the grille, side sills and bumpers, and in S line Style Edition versions the more purposeful stance these create is further enhanced by xenon headlamps with distinctive LED daytime running lights and 17-inch ‘five V-spoke' alloy wheels with a bi-colour finish, which replace the standard 17-inch ‘five twin-spoke' S line wheels. A bi-colour ‘five-arm' design is also available as a no-cost option.
Inside the A1 S line Style Edition, the sleeves for the striking propeller-style air vents that are a focal point of the attractively sculpted A1 dashboard are finished in either Misano Red or Glacier White when these exterior colours are chosen, or in gloss black in conjunction with the Ice Silver and Phantom Black exterior options. These elements further emphasize the sporting tone set by the part-leather sports seats and three-spoke S line sports steering wheel. The S line equipment list also includes powered windows and mirrors, a split/folding rear seat, air conditioning, a Concert CD audio system incorporating an SD card reader linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display screen, a Bluetooth mobile phone interface and a Driver's Information System.
November 2014
1.0 TFSI engine introduced
A1 1.0 TFSI available to order in spring 2015 priced from £14,315 with first deliveries in summer 2015. Revised A1 and A1 Sportback ranges priced from £15,390 OTR to £21,640 OTR available to order from late November 2014 with first deliveries in spring 2015
Styling revisions inside and out, more equipment, new or improved engines including 1.6 TDI now offering up to 80.7mpg with 92g/km output (manual) and new 1.0 TFSI three-cylinder emitting 99g/km
7-speed S tronic now available for all variants, including 1.6 TDI
More equipment across SE, Sport and S line specification levels, improved option packs
Powering the first UK-market versions of these new models will be a choice of two 1.4 TFSI petrol engines or a TDI diesel which are now compliant with the latest EU6 emissions regulations and which offer more power, improved economy and in the majority of cases lower emissions than their predecessors. Base 1.4TSI now has 125PS and emits 115g/k, CO2; 1.4TSI ACT ‘Cylinder-on-Demand' engine now had 150PS and emits 112g/km CO2.
Power of 1.6TDI is increased to 115PS and CO2 reduced from 99g/km to 92g/km in both body styles and ECDC combined mog increased from 74.3mpg to up to 80.7mpg.
New A1 1.0-litre three-cylinder TFSI emits 99g/km CO2. Provisional data for the A1 1.0 TFSI indicates that it will be capable of returning at least 60mpg with CO2 emissions of 99g/km, yet with 95PS - a 6PS increase over the 1.2 TFSI that it replaces (and significantly more than in the Up or Fabia) will also deliver suitably peppy performance.
Either a five-speed or six-speed manual transmission as standard, and all, including the 1.6 TDI are also be available with the option of a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission.
SE versions run on more comfort-oriented dynamic suspension, Sport models have a firmer sports configuration which has been revised to increase its absorbency and S line versions ride even lower on S line sports suspension. Customers choosing the Sport option can dial back to the even more supple dynamic suspension at no cost if preferred, and the set-up in S line versions can also be taken back one or two steps to either the ‘standard' sports suspension or the dynamic suspension, also at no cost.
Alternatively, a new suspension option including adjustable dampers is also now available for Sport models and above. New electromechanical steering system provides the driver with optimal assistance in all driving situations, reducing its assistance as vehicle speed increases.
Audi drive select now standard from Sport spec upwards with adjustable damping controllable via the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system. Allows the driver to vary the weighting or the damping characteristics across three modes - auto, dynamic and efficiency - and it can also adjust the operating parameters of the engine and the S tronic transmission, where this is fitted.
Interior the ambiance has also been lifted by additional chrome and high gloss black detailing, new upholstery choices including Alcantara and leather blend and new upholstery colours, such as Laser blue for Sport models and Rotor grey for S line models.
All versions have alloy wheels, remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors and a six-speaker single CD audio system with auxiliary iPod connection linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display. A secondary collision brake assist system can initiate automatic braking to reduce the risks of skidding and additional collisions during an accident.
The latest Sport models include Audi Music Interface and preparation for SD card-based navigation, and already featured upgrades such as larger 16-inch wheels, sports suspension, sports seats, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation and a Driver's Information System
S line versions benefit from standard xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, further enhancing an additional specification which already included 17-inch alloy wheels, exclusive S line exterior styling and interior detailing, S line sports suspension and leather and cloth combination upholstery.
What to watch out for
Nowhere to put a full sized spare wheel in a 1.4 TFSI because the battery lives in the spare wheel well. Audi offers a space-saver spare wheel fitting kit that locates the space saver over the battery, but reduces boot space slightly. The Sportback misses a little of its three-door sister sporting lustre.
11-03-2015:Brand new Audi A1 1.6 TDI Sportback delivered with a loose nut on the fuel line from the high pressure to the fuel rail. Diesel all over the engine. Fire brigade called.
28-03-2017:Complaint that fuel economy of 2012 Audi A1 EA189 1.6TDI Sportback is now substantially worse than before the NOx emissions fix, but no actual figures to back this up. We reckon if exonomy is below the average Real MPG of 51mpg, the owner has a case.
24-04-2018:Report that "numerous things have gone wrong" with 2014 Audi A1 1.4TSI Sportback now at 20,811 miles. These were fixed under the 3 year warranty. Then in March 2018 the Turbo Charge Pressure Actuator had to be replaced. As this was 5 months out of warranty owner was billed £431.12, but was told that further investigation might be required. So far dealer has offered me 50% off next service in recompense.
18-06-2019:Report of 2013 Audi A1 Sportback 1.4TFSI Sport s-tronic (DQ200) breaking down on 27th May 2019 at 27,000 miles. Diagnosis was "requires new mechatronics unit due to the seal and housing being out of shape causing it to leak". Owner wrote to Audi seeking their comments asking why the seal etc. was out of shape; had it been incorrectly fitted in the first place? Or following a previous service which had always been carried out by Audi. Original quote for the replacement unit was £2,104.94 incl. which was reduced to £1,824.87, plus major service and MoT.
