AUDI A1 HATCHBACK READER REVIEWS

My car

Car is actually the 5 dr Sportback but no options in review menu.

Changed from Mini to get the rear doors and more space - surprisingly big in the back

Very practical and feels like a big car when on the motorway, but small around town. We also own an A4 and I am just as happy with this in long runs. However, the reason to buy was for economy on long runs, but even after 3000 miles, still only averaging 44 mpg - and this is non-urban driving. On a long haul, expect 50 +, but nothing like the published figures. Dealers have checked a couple of times in case problems with engine management or filters.

Voice control, phone system, the music storage, sat nav, interior lighting pack etc are superior to the top of range 2011 A4 we also own.

Handles well on back roads, even though opted for normal (non-sport)suspension to make speed humps less intrusive. The 1.6D feels under-powered when trying to overtake (compared with the 3.0D A4), but fine for around town and motorways. The 2.0D option would be my choice, but not available when this was ordered.

My car

The A1 is beautifully made and oozes quality, whilst not cheap it does feel like a bigger Audi made smaller rather than a VW Polo with some window dressing added. Standard equipment levels are good, although the options list is long and expensive the Sport trim comes with everything you need in a small car. The seats are superb, comfortable and supportive, all of the contact points feel good and the overall cabin environment is excellent. Practicality is surprisingly good, yes it is a small car so clearly it is not going to carry seven people, but it carries my wife and I and our two toddlers and the boot is good for weekend bags for a short break or the weekly shop. The car feels secure and well planted with good steering response, however it is nothing like as much fun as a Mini and in a way replicates the general feel of an Audi made smaller rather than the out and out entertaining set up of the Mini. The engine is noisy at start up and unless you hit the gas hard it feels rather sedate due to the gear ratios, if you do get heavy footed then the car feels pretty quick but this does kill fuel economy. My only complaint is fuel economy, I get nothing like the published figures, I average around 53mpg in town and around 63mpg on the open road, this is actually below the average I get in a BMW 318d which is a heavier car with a more powerful engine. Overall it is a great little car, I'm very pleased with it except for the disappointing fuel figures.

My car

This is the best car small car i have ever owned, i use to own a MINI, i am i so glad i change, its a much bigger car, as well the quality is amazing the plastics in the car is outstanding and has a fantastic driving position. The running cost is another reason why you should buy this car i am never at the petrol station, i am already averaging about 60 mpg which is remarkable. The drive of the car is like you are driving a very up-market audi of a much bigger car. Overall i am extremely pleased with this audi and can't sing its praises enough, this car is well worth a consideration.

My car

The 'Audi A1 Hatchback 1.4T quattro 3dr' is a fantastic little car. It combines traditional Audi build quality with the practicality of a small car. It is based upon a Polo, and uses VW engines, so running costs aren't too bad on the wallet. 45mpg is said to be the combined fuel consumption, pretty good for a petrol with this power. It has Audis famous quattro 4WD system, which gives great traction and can be used as a security blanket against the winter weather. 0-60 takes just 6.9 seconds; it outguns much more expensive metal, and surprises many a boy racer. With CO2 emissions of just 139g/km, tax is cheap. The DSG 'box is very hi-tech, but your better of leaaving it as a 7-speed auto for everyday driving. This car is a superb compromise of performance, practicality, stylishness and economy. There's no doubt that this is the most complete package for any hot hatch today, albeit an expensive one.