Bargain priced Audi

The new Audi five-door A1 Sportback range starts with an entry level model at just $26,500, before on-road costs.

This smallest of Audi sportback models is powered by a 1.2-litre TFSI engine, similar to that found in the Volkswagen Polo, with slightly different mapping. In the Audi the engine puts out 63 kW of power and 160 Nm of torque while in the small VW it is 77 kW and 175 Nm of torque. This bargain-basement Audi can cover the 0-100 km/h sprint in 11.1 seconds and has combined fuel consumption of 5.1 litres/100km.

For Audi the A1 in both three-door and five-door variants is an important model, bringing new customers to the brand with affordable pricing. "The A1 has introduced an entirely new group of customers to the Audi brand and we are currently in the lead in the segment after 18 months of sales," said Audi Australia managing director, Uwe Hagen.

"The progressive new Sportback variant is expected to find favour with Australian buyers thanks to the versatility of easy access to the rear seats as an additional feature of a great compact premium vehicle," he said. The 1.2-litre A1 comes with a sporty manual shifter and is expected to appeal to young, urban-dwelling professionals, young families and as a second family car. All variants offer fuel consumption under 6.0 litres/100 km.

The Sportback has the same length and width as the three-door, but headroom has been extended by 11 mm. Instead of the typical long coupe doors the four passenger doors fit within the same cabin length.

Other A1 variants in the Sportback range include a 1.6 litre TDI (diesel) engine with 66 kW and fuel consumption of a miserly 3.8 litres/100 km and a 1.4 litre TFSI petrol engine with 90 kW and 200 Nm of torque with combined fuel consumption of 5.4 litres/100 km. The 1.4 TFSI `Sport' engine completes the A1 Sportback range with 136 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque that sees the variant spring to 100 km/h from a standing start in just 7.0 seconds.

Audi has priced the five door model to sell by offering all models at the same basic price point as the three door variants. "The Audi A1 range represents important volume potential for Audi in Australia," said Mr Hagen.

With the rear seats folded the A1 Sportback has cargo space of 920 litres while, with all seats in the usual position, cargo space is 270 litres. The rear pew, that seats three, has a 60/40 split for versatility. Safety is covered by stability control with a cross axle locking system, six full-size airbags and the comfort of knowing it has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Stop-Start technology is available on most models.

Audi’s A1 comes with two trim levels, Attraction and Ambition. All models have a 6.5-inch folding screen, Bluetooth interface with music streaming capabilities, cruise control, eight speakers, driver information system, light and rain sensors and multi-function sports leather steering wheel.

This latest addition to the Audi A1 range looks set to sell its stylish socks of due not only to its very attractive price but also to the way it can be tailored to your tastes in many different ways. Just beware of sudden price increases when you do hit the personalisation buttons.

PRICE GUIDE
A1 Sportback 1.2 TFSI Attraction: from $26,500 (manual)
A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Attraction: from $29,900 (manual), $32,250 (S tronic)
A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Ambition: from $33,450 (manual), $35,800 (S tronic)
A1 Sportback 1.6 TDI Attraction: from $29,900 (manual), $32,250 (S tronic)
A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport: from $42,500 (S tronic)