Audi A1 Hatchback (2010 - 2018) 1.4 TFSI Contrast Edition 3d S Tronic (2012/62) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

The car says quite a few things - to the average person. That guy is doing well for himself. That guy likes a bit of sporty driving. That guy has some class. These are all things people - myself included - would think, if you ask me. There's also probably the odd person who would say "Poor man's A3!" - but then... where's their twenty-three grand Audi?

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They absolutely love it. My friends love all the technology and how cool it looks. The neighbours think I'm loaded and my family think it's perfectly comfortable to ride in, especially my Nan, who HATED my Toyota Celica T-Sport. So it really is an all-round winner!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Not particularly this model. As a driving fanatic, I do wish I bought the 185bhp Manual version. More BHP is always better in my eyes, I'd have liked to have had that extra 63bhp - which is a HUGE different. But in the future, if I was to buy this car again, I'd go for the 185 Black Edition, or - if available then - the Quattro. Unless you're like me - and enjoy washing and waxing your car - don't go for a white one... nightmare to keep clean!

What are you likely to buy next?

If I'm honest - I'll be going S or RS model next in the Audi range. I test drove an S5 the other day and I fell in love with it. The quality, power, ride, handling... insane. But then, if I have the money - I will have to go for an RS5, as it's a whole other world better to the S5. But definitely - S or RS model is on the cars next. To anyone looking to buy in to a prestigious manufacturer though - the A1 falls short in nothing and ticks all my boxes for an absolutely fantastic car to own.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£22,000

When did you buy the car?

October 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

I bought my car brand new from JCT600 - Audi Sheffield in June 2013. I had to wait until October for it to be built over in Germany and shipped over. I found I had achieved a good deal, I went in at the end of the first term in the selling year, at the end of the month - when numbers mean everything. I managed to get a very low rate PCP Finance, huge £1000 deposit contribution from Audi and I also achieved the GAP Insurance, Tyre and Wheel Cover and Interior Protection free of charge.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

[NOTE] Review options aren't working properly - my model is actually 2013 A1 TFSI S Line 1.4 (122). I bought this car because I wanted a brand new, classy vehicle, that was strong, sturdy and well built. Whilst it had to be classy, it also had to be sporty - and more importantly - sporty looking. The Audi A1 gives me that feeling.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was exactly as I expected it to be. Audi are a very prestigious range of vehicles, and that really shined through in the sales executive I sat down with. From start to finish, the dealer was extremely helpful, hit my budget on the head and went the extra mile to beat it. The delivery of the car was insanely overwhelming too. I signed the paperwork, was handed my keys - and then got to watch my brand new A1 that I'd waiting months for - rise up out of the floor in a glass room, on a lift - with it's lights on and just basically looking completely amazing. It was more like a ceremony. I was extremely impressed.

What's it like to drive?

If you're in to driving - like me - the sporty suspension with precise handling and the nippy 1.4 Turbo engine is a real pleasure to drive. I've heard complaints of the suspension being too stiff - I say, you're just too old, buy a standard model without S Line Sport's Suspension, and whilst you're at it - button up your cardigan, it's almost time for your environment friendly tea. I LOVE the drive of this car, it handles absolutely brilliantly, and I throw it round some country-lane corners at a good pace, and it just seems to grip and grip and grip. Never letting go. Absolutely brilliant!

What's it like to park?

Surprisingly easy. If you're one of them types lacking any sort of confidence behind the wheel, you can buy parking sensors with even a rear mounted camera that shows your angle and entry point on the screen. But in reality, this car is so easy to park, you could read a book, sip some tea - and park it by steering with your knees. The steering is that light and accurate, and the visibility is brilliant. Even more so in the 5dr.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It's only 3 months old, so I should hope not! As with all new cars, an oil top up after two or three thousand miles - as the viscosity is very low when rolling out of the factory. So as long as you keep your eye on it every month or two to make sure the levels are okay, you'll not have any issues at all.

What's most practical about your car?

It's certainly not the boot space. About big enough for the weekly shop and that's it! You certainly won't be carrying the St Benard dogs in the back, if that's your thing. It's also not the read leg and headroom. So if your family are in excess of 4ft tall - buy the 5dr or spend an extra few thousand pounds and buy an A3. The practicality with this car is it's fuel economy and it's size... being small you can get it anywhere. It can also turn 360 degrees on the head of a pin. The turning circle is nothing short of incredible.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The Audi MMI is an absolute peach. I definitely recommend buying the Tech Pack Upgrade with your Audi, which ever model you intend on buying. The on screen Sat Nav, Bluetooth media and phone controls are extremely handy, and with a fantastic sound system as default (But strongly recommend Bose or Bang and Olufsen upgrades if you're in to your music whilst driving) - you're surely going to get the sense of sitting in a much more expensive model of Audi. The technology from the TFSI Engine is also an absolutely amazing piece of machinery. You can achieve 65mpg on level land, and as much as 130mpg on downhill sections of motorway and when you get to your destination and see the 55mpg+ avg throughout the trip - you're sure to be impressed with very nippy and very economical 1.4 Turbo engine.