Audi A1 Hatchback (2010 - 2018) 1.6 TDI Sport 3d (2012/12) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Badge snob. Show-off. "Merchant Banker". Got more money than sense. Aspirational wannabe who can't afford a larger Audi.

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

People react very positively to it, and are usually envious. My neighbour thinks I am loaded now.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. It's just a slightly sporty looking, overrated Polo. The whole "Audi experience" leaves me cold. I don't think the quality is there for the high prices they charge.

What are you likely to buy next?

Something Japanese, definitely less flashy: Mazda 2 / Toyota Yaris maybe ?

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£13,000

When did you buy the car?

July 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got £850 off of the sticker price eventually. I was a cash buyer and told the dealer directly what I wanted to pay for the car. It took four days and a lot of phone calls from them before they agreed to accept my offer. I got the impression the dealer didn't believe I'd walk away so they called my bluff and I said goodbye! Literally ten minutes later they called back and gave me a little more on the PX which made the figures add up for them so they could do the deal. It wasn't a particularly pleasant experience, although people have said to me Audi never give money off - so I guess I did OK.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Seduced by lovely two-tone interior and panoramic roof.

What was the dealer like?

Typical stuck up, smarmy Audi. All big watches and cufflinks. Polite indifference at first, then became very attentive once they saw I was serious about buying.

What's it like to drive?

Just average. Heavyish steering, long gearing and absolutely loads of road noise can be tiresome after a while. The ride is quite firm, although on a Sport model that is to be expected. Not especially quick either.

What's it like to park?

Pretty easy with parking sensors, but mind scuffing the alloys on the kerb !

Have you had any problems with the car?

The lacquer separated from the paint on the bonnet in two patches when the car was just two years old. The bonnet needed a complete respray which was done under warranty. When the car came back the washers weren't working which required another dealer visit, despite them giving me a written inspection report saying the washers had been checked as working before the car was returned to me. What else haven't they checked properly? No apology for my inconvenience either.

What's most practical about your car?

Does 50mpg, but this is woefully short of the 74.5mpg advertised.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Two tone interior, big panoramic sunroof and the LED interior light pack looks very smart. The Bluetooth stereo/phone works well.