Audi A1 Sportback 1.6 TDI 90 CV S-Tronic, test drive (Exterior design, interior, boot and overall assessment)

These days our protagonist in testing is the Audi A1 Sportback with the S line trim. In the first part of the test we told you everything about the engine, this time a 1.6 TDI of 90 CV paired with the S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox, an economical engine and more than sufficient for a city car that isn’t afraid to venture beyond the cities.

But the Audi A1 is not the first time we have tested it, years ago we had the chance to test the Audi A1 with the 1.2 TFSI 86 CV petrol engine. That’s precisely why, and to avoid repeating everything about the equipment, we have shortened our usual tests and now put the final touches by talking about the design of the Audi A1 Sportback, the space it offers its occupants, and we will finish the test with our overall assessment of the car.

Exterior design

This city car, only 3.9 metres long, has everything needed to get around the cities, with a very sporty exterior design thanks to the S Line exterior pack. At the front, the headlights stand out, featuring LED technology for the daytime running lights, and the bumpers have striking air intakes on the sides, typical of the sporty trim.

The two-tone roof gives it a personal touch, it is an optional element in the Audi A1 range and a good way to personalise the car. Along the side, it stands out for its 18-inch alloy wheels (optional) and its side skirts, again emphasising the sportiness.

At the rear there are LED headlights (optional) and again the sporty contribution of the bumpers, with a finish that differs from the standard version, as can be seen at the bottom of the rear bumper.

Externally it has the essence of sportiness, that is, despite its diesel engine of only 90 CV, from the outside it looks like it has a lot more hidden under the bonnet.

Interior design, the practicality of four doors

The main difference of the Sportback is the four doors, the car is no longer a coupé but in exchange it has the practicality of four doors. Rear space is still tight, for two adults who are not very tall; only two can travel comfortably (five seats are available as an option), but now at least access to the rear seats is much more comfortable and legroom is relatively generous (compared with other city cars).

The interior can be personalised, both the edge of the air vents and the centre console or the door grab handles can be customised to the customer’s taste, as well as the interior upholstery. Again, this is a detail worth considering for those who don’t want a car identical to another, thanks to the personalisation options of the Audi A1.

The driving position is low and comfortable, although there is not much spare room. If we make many long trips, the centre armrest is an indispensable element. The seats, leather in our unit, had a firm but comfortable padding, although they were not heated (it is an extra).

Storage and boot

In terms of storage, it has several cup holders in the centre console where we can leave a phone or keys, as well as a specific compartment for leaving some coins. The glove boxes in the front doors were small but deep.

At the rear there are also glove boxes, again small but deep. As for the boot, it has a capacity of 270 litres, well distributed thanks to its usable shapes.

Overall assessment

The Audi A1 Sportback is a very versatile city car, first because of its four doors, as they are always more practical than two doors, and secondly it is an economical car that is not afraid to take to the motorway or country roads, where it moves with ease.

Furthermore, the personalisation possibilities are extensive, allowing you to build an Audi A1 to your liking. But its drawback is the price, available from 17,510 euros, but once extras are added the price soars to 34,800 euros for our test unit.

In short, a premium city car with its own style and an economical engine, although with a somewhat high price for the space it offers.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira and test team

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackAudi A19 versions · from 26,660 €