Audi A1 2019 Review

At a time when SUVs are growing by the minute – in proportions and popularity -- it takes a moment to reset and consider the appeal of the traditional light hatch.

For starters, it’s nimble, economical and relatively affordable. It’ll also comfortably carry four occupants, five at a push.

In the case of the all-new 2019 Audi A1, it’s packed with technology and comes with five-star safety rating. And when some hatches the segment up have arrived a little too squeezy, the A1’s capacious 335-litre boot deserves an honourable mention.

The light and city car segment is populated by some solid budget buys that can make it tough to justify a prestige price tag. Nonetheless, since its arrival in 2010, the Audi A1 has racked up around 13,650 sales. Its direct segment rival, the MINI five-door (from $31,500) now outsells the A1 and remains cheaper.

Speaking of cheap, the similarly sized Hyundai Accent (from $15,490) sold over 15,000 units in 2018 alone. Price matters.

The 2019 Audi A1’s new design sees it come into the family fold in a more convincing manner. Finally.

The cuteness of the first-generation Audi A1 has gone, making way for a grown-up grille and unique trio of bonnet intakes that pay homage to the Audi Sport Quattro of the 80s. Audi Australia hopes the new look A1 will strike a chord with male and female buyers, giving better gender balance (and increased sales) to a car favoured, so far, by female buyers. Indeed, women account for around 70 per cent of sales in Australia.

The second-generation A1 has grown to give it a more masculine, sporting stance and in practical terms, the longer wheelbase means more interior space for passengers and luggage.

But it’ll take more than looks, right? The choice of three turbocharged engines might do it.

But four would be better. The 2019 Audi A1 offers three turbocharged engine choices, but no performance variant to speak of. For now, there’s no S1 on offer – not in Australia and not overseas, and the S and RS moniker are reserved for quattro platforms only. But don’t let that put you off.

The new Audi A1 line-up is all petrol and commences with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder 30 TFSI which develops 85kW and 200Nm, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Step up to the 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder 35 TFSI and there’s decent urge on hand. That engine is paired to a dual-clutch transmission, technology also featured on the top spec Audi A1, the 147kW/320Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder 40 TFSI.

At the local launch in Tasmania this week, we got to drive them back-to-back. Exiting Hobart, we followed a scenic drive to Swansea traversing sweeping coastlines at freeway speeds and soon we had a good feeling for what’s on offer.

The 2019 Audi A1’s interior can be summed up in one word: restrained. A pared back interior presents a consistent theme across all three models yet is able to deliver a subtle progression through the ranks -- as opposed to a stark jump reflective of price points.

The entry-level Audi A1 30 TFSI is priced from $32,350 plus ORCs and misses out on some of the higher-spec cars’ goodies but it it retains soft touch plastics and textural touch points common to all A1s that give the cabin a very upmarket feel.

Two cup holders, decent oddment storage and USB charge points are common, welcome features.

The Audi A1 35 TFSI (from $35,290 plus ORCs) sits comfortably in its mid-spec slot. Dual zone climate control, push button start, wireless phone charging and a centre armrest) are all standard. The big ticket item that is missing is Audi’s Virtual cockpit‘smart’ dash which is reserved for the Audi A1 40 TFSI or as part of the optional Technik package ($3200).

The top spec 40 TFSI (from $46,450 plus ORCs) also gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Audi connect plus navigation and infotainment services as well as the upgrade to the 10.1-inch screen. The cloth interior remains, but sports seats, paddle shifters and dual-zone climate control up the stakes.

Mechanically, the 40 TFSI leaps ahead with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired to drive mode select and adaptive dampers.

As previously reported the Style pack ($2990), Technik pack ($3200), Premium plus pack ($2990) and S Line interior package ($1100) allow you to dial up the kit as far as your budget will allow.

Second row occupants benefit from the stretched wheelbase that offers better space (ie. comfort) but back there amenities are sparse. There are no charge points, no directional air vents and limited storage.

We hit the road from Hobart in the 40 TFSI in a ‘top down’ approach to the three-model five-door line-up.

The A1 feels responsive and well planted for a car weighing in at 1165kg. Not forgetting that we’re rolling on 18-inch Bridgestone Turanza rubber with the benefit of four drive modes and adjustable dampers here.

In normal mode the steering is light and crisp, noticeably tightening up when you switch to Dynamic e – where we spent most of our time.

There’s plenty of punch when you put your foot down and that turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine is quiet and composed. Paddle shifting through the six-speed or left to its own devices, it’s quick to respond and fun to drive. There’s also minimal road noise to speak of, which makes for a rather refined cabin, made even more premium by the comfortable, dare I say Porsche-like, sports seats.

Switching into the 35 TFSI and there are no complaints. The sense of urgency under acceleration fades a little, but not enough to dwell on. This 1.5-litre engine works a treat and for the volume seller, the ride and handling will please many.

The ride remains supple in the 35 TFSI, but there’s a bit of noise coming from the optional 18-inch wheels (up from 17s) wrapped in Goodyear Eagles.

At the base grade is the Audi A1 30 TFSI and in short, it’s a ripper. The three-cylinder engine is both willing and eager. It’s paired to the same seven-speed dueal-clutch transmission as found in the 35 TFSI and shifts nicely.

Optional 17-inch wheels (we never saw the standard prescribed 16s) with Goodyear rubber meant our 30 TFSI also suffered the previously mentioned levels of sound intrusion.

The 1.0-litre is no powerhouse but with its light car brief in mind, it feels perfectly fit for purpose. And where bang for buck is concerned, it’s up there.

The Audi A1 line-up is not divided by its safety kit. All models feature autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, a rear view camera with front and rear sensors and cruise control with speed limiter as well as six airbags.

Advanced driver assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control and park assist come as part of the Premium plus pack ($2990).

The Audi A1 has a five-star NCAP safety rating and comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and three or five-year service plans capping out at $1480 and $1990 respectively.

Increased dimensions bring multiple rewards. The A1 is 56mm longer overall (4029mm) than the car it replaces with a 94mm-longer wheelbase (2560mm) bringing visual and practical benefits.

It’s now physically easier to cram you and your gear into the entry-level Euro than ever before.

The increased dimensions of the Audi A1 not only benefit all five occupants, but boot space has grown, too. With 335-litres growing to 1090 with the 60:40 seats at play, the Audi A1 has grown in versatility – at least where packing for a road trip is concerned.

Priced from $32,350 plus ORCs and with the prestige moniker that its direct rival in MINI doesn’t quite match, the Audi A1 is likely to attract some attention. And it should!

The engine choices are great and the packaging is very good. And as you’d expect from the brand that sets standards for interior detailing, overall execution is hard to fault.

The bolder-looking Audi A1 may even succeed in appealing to a broader market. Whether that translates into more sales – your guess is as good as mine.

How much does the 2019 Audi A1 cost?
Price: From $32,350 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: (30 TFSI) 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol, (35 TFSI) 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol, (40 TFSI) 2.0-litre four -cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 85kW/200Nm,110kW/250Nm, 147kW/320Nm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch, six-speed dual-clutch (40 TFSI)
Fuel: 5.4L/100km, 5.8L/100km, 6.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 122g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP