When you start to see the facelifted Audi A1 supermini out and about, you’d be forgiven for not noticing it’s new. The main differences are a wider front grille, reworked bumpers and new alloy wheel designs, bit it’s fair to say Audi got this car’s design right first time, and hasn’t wanted to mess with it.
The Audi A1 already has a strong image and the German manufacturer claims its sales are limited only by how many it can produce. Instead the focus here has been on the engine line-up, to ensure it remains competitive in a hotly fought segment.
The 1.4-litre TFSI petrol with 123bhp is one of these reworked engines, and while its 3bhp power increase is modest, emissions have been cut significantly from 124g/km to 117g/km (with 17-inch alloy wheels). Usefully, this drops its annual tax bill from £110 to £30 and fuel consumption also decreases to 57.6mpg.
We’ve always like the quiet and smooth nature of the 1.4-litre TFSI, and in the latest version the car still settles to an almost silent idle, quieter than the best diesel. It seems keen to respond too, with plenty of low down shove thanks to its turbocharger. Acceleration from rest to 62mph in 8.8 seconds is quick enough for most, and places this A1 between the MINI Hatch One and Cooper in terms of performance.
Another change is a new electric steering system, but sadly this fails to improve the steering, which was already rather vague. In fact, the A1 just can’t match the MINI for overall driving fun. With Sport or S line suspension fitted the smallest Audi is also too firm for pockmarked British roads, which cause it to fidget more than you’d expect. We’d certainly recommend you choose the softer set-up (a no-cost option) for a suppler ride.
But, the A1 can make swift progress, and its interior is really first-rate. Audi hasn’t watered down its quality for its smallest model, instead shrinking everything we love about Audi interiors. The controls are clearly laid out and tactile and there’s additional chrome and high gloss black trim for 2015. Revised upholstery choices include an Alcantara and leather mix and new colours including Laser blue for Sport trims and Rotor grey for the S line, instead of just black.
Should you buy one? Well, the Audi A1 is already proving popular, so if you wanted one before, the revised engines and slightly sharper design should help make up your mind. It’s not as involving to drive as the MINI – its biggest rival – but if this is of little concern to you, the A1 is a very desirable supermini.
