Test drive of the Audi A1 Sportback 25 TFSI: Is it worth buying the cheapest Audi?

The Audi A1 was the proposal the brand with the four rings presented in 2010 to compete in the city car segment. After 10 years on the market, it has become one of the benchmarks of the segment thanks to its premium character, which allowed it to compete directly with models such as the Mini Cooper.

It was in mid-2018 that we met its second generation, based on the modular MQB A0 platform of the Volkswagen Group and renamed Audi A1 Sportback. This architecture is one of the most versatile in the group, and it has shown its virtues in other models we have tested, such as the Seat Arona or the Volkswagen T-Cross.

Moreover, it is the same architecture on which its siblings are based: the Seat Ibiza and the Volkswagen Polo. In turn, they are its main rivals, since apart from sharing the platform, they also share most of the engines.

However, the Audi A1 Sportback has one disadvantage compared to these, namely that carrying the four-ring badge on the grille means a higher price than the two models mentioned. Therefore, the question we are going to ask ourselves today is clear: Is it worth buying the cheapest Audi in the range? Let’s uncover this interesting question.

A design that sets it apart from the rest

One of the major assets of the Audi A1 Sportback is its styling, and few models in the category have the visual power that the little one from Ingolstadt can boast. At the front, we find the large grille that has reigned over all the brand’s models for years, although in this case it is crowned by three inserts in its upper part that pay homage to the brand’s sportier models.

Another element that makes it stand out when we look at the car from the front is the LED headlights, since their arrow-shaped light signature makes the whole look more aggressive. These cost 1,150 euros and are one of the items for which it will be worth paying, since they provide illumination with great sharpness.

If we continue the visual tour and move to the profile, we see fairly straight and muscular shapes, in which a crease stands out that starts at the front wing and runs along the doors to the rear lights. The rear is another area where the Audi A1 Sportback has gained presence compared to its predecessor, abandoning the softer, rounder forms in favour of others with a greater number of edges that complete this aggressive styling.

The S Line trim emphasises its sportiness

The unit we tested catches the eye, since the S Line trim it was fitted with suits it perfectly thanks to the sporty bumpers front and rear, the sill protectors and the two-tone paint. Of course, this comes at a price, as these elements cost 2,235 euros.

Not only that, but it also had beautiful Audi Sport 18-inch alloy wheels in two-tone finish, which added another 1,410 euros to the bill. Beyond these, the icing on the cake was the red brake calipers, which distinguish the Dynamic package that also adds a sportier tuned suspension (+295 €).

The interior space puts it on a par with the competition

As soon as we open the door of the Audi A1 Sportback, the feeling is that we are in a model that leads the segment in design, since it has great personality. The driving position is very well resolved, with an enveloping dashboard hood that gives the sensation of being completely integrated into the car.

The centre console is oriented towards the driver, so the central screen of the infotainment system is in a very good position and offers excellent ergonomics. Its air vents stand out: there are two for the driver and two for the front passenger, leaving a clean centre console with a layout we appreciate when activating the climate control.

The overall presentation is very good, although if we look closely at the materials used, it is not especially remarkable when compared with a Volkswagen Polo, for example. Hard plastics cover the entire dashboard except the upper part, as well as the door panels.

The differentiation depends largely on the optional equipment

However, our unit stands out positively thanks to the amount of optional equipment it adds. Both the sports steering wheel in Nappa leather (+225 €) and the sports seats (+1,350 €) upholstered in leather-look material and Alcantara must be paid for.

Without a doubt, these are the elements that set it apart most from other rivals, so since they form part of the optional equipment list, and are not cheap, there is no point in choosing them if we are looking to save money by buying the cheapest Audi.

As for the space available, the Audi A1 Sportback measures 4.02 metres in length, 1.40 metres in height and 1.74 metres in width. Its wheelbase is 2.56 metres, so it offers enough legroom for two adults to travel comfortably. As is usual in the segment, the centre seat is too narrow, so carrying three people in the rear row should be reserved for exceptional situations. Finally, its headroom is sufficient, although its slightly sloping silhouette penalises it a little more than other rivals in the category.

The last element to analyse in this respect is the boot, and in the Audi A1 Sportback offers a capacity of 336 litres. This figure puts it ahead of models such as the Opel Corsa (309 litres), although it falls behind other rivals such as the Seat Ibiza (355 litres) or the Renault Clio we tested (366 litres). Even so, it has very practical proportions and a boot with a false floor, a feature that can be useful when storing more delicate items.

Is the most basic engine enough?

The Audi A1 we tested has the 25 TFSI engine which, under the peculiar nomenclature the brand introduced a few years ago, corresponds to the most basic engine in the range. This means that under its bonnet we find a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 95 CV in this case.

Is this power enough to move the Audi A1 Sportback? The answer is yes if what we are looking for is a car for getting around the city and making occasional longer trips. This engine can only be paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, which may not feel as good as it could, since the shifting is rather imprecise and the third and fifth gears are too close together. Performance is not brilliant but is sufficient: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 191 km/h.

You will miss a few more horsepower

However, if you regularly make long-distance journeys or drive with the car heavily loaded, you will miss a few more horses. You will also lack some extra power under the right foot when overtaking or when encountering a steep gradient on the motorway, since in that case you will be forced to work the gearbox.

The next engine option is the 30 TFSI, which uses the same block as our protagonist but increases its output to 116 CV. Those 21 extra CV are just enough to give more enjoyment to a car that is crying out for more power, so paying the 1,200 euros of difference is a sound decision.

If you want low fuel consumption and a higher power figure puts you off, this will not be a decisive factor in choosing between one engine or the other, since they claim practically identical consumption figures. Furthermore, the more powerful version is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and, optionally, a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, so it will be much more relaxed in every respect.

Brilliant handling

Without a doubt, the main reason we think the 25 TFSI engine falls somewhat short is its excellent handling. The MQB A0 platform it is based on is largely responsible, as it offers really agile behaviour.

The steering also has good feel, so although it is not sporty, it is quick to respond and will not force us into abrupt movements. As we said earlier, our unit was equipped with the Dynamic Pack, which adds firmer tuned suspension.

This is one of the options worth adding, since it pairs perfectly with the chassis and delivers spectacular stability. This element, combined with the car’s overall agility, gives it a very good cornering ability.

Therefore, the Audi A1 Sportback has a chassis perfectly prepared for engines with twice the power of the 25 TFSI. In fact, the most powerful version in the range, the 40 TFSI, mounts a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine producing 200 CV. The German city car thus has excellent handling, which can be somewhat overshadowed by this basic engine if we push it.

If you want full equipment, you will have to pay:

The standard equipment included in the cheapest Audi A1 Sportback in the range is nothing out of the ordinary. It comes with features such as 15-inch alloy wheels, light and rain sensors, a multifunction leather steering wheel, air conditioning, electrically adjustable mirrors, a digital instrument cluster, a multimedia system with Bluetooth, and a speed limiter.

However, we have already mentioned that our unit was fitted with the S Line equipment level. This adds a contrasting roof, 17-inch alloy wheels, a specific body kit, aluminium interior trim, an electric parking brake, the MMI infotainment system, and voice assistant.

It is true, though, that our unit was fitted with optional extras right up to the limit, as it had more than 9,000 euros in accessories. Even though all that added finery gave it a very striking look, there is no sense in spending what a Dacia Sandero costs if we are looking for a cheap Audi.

How much does the Audi A1 Sportback 25 TFSI cost?

If we want to have a Audi in the garage, the most affordable option will be the Audi A1 Sportback 25 TFSI, whose starting price is 21,715 euros. It is much cheaper than an Audi e-tron like the one we recently tested, but it is still an excessive price. Let’s compare it with some rivals:

If we choose a Volkswagen Polo with the same engine and similar equipment, it will cost 3,000 euros less, and if we do the same with an Seat Ibiza, the gap exceeds 6,000 euros.

Let’s not even talk about comparing it with a Renault Clio TCe 100 CV in Intens trim, a car that, although it offers less standard equipment, has very similar power and comes in 8,000 euros below the price of the Audi cheapest.

The price difference with its rivals is very large and, after testing it, it is true that it has details that give it an edge over the competition, but not enough to justify such a sum. Let’s not even mention choosing a unit as well equipped as the one in our test, since it far exceeded 30,000 euros.

Therefore, if you want a city car and are strongly drawn to the brand image and the “status” that owning a premium car is supposed to confer, it may suit you. If you don’t think that way, there are highly qualified alternatives in the segment at lower prices, which would make smarter purchases.

Technical specifications of this car

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