Test: Audi A1 1.2 TFSI (63 kW) Ambition

After the first two weeks of using the basic version of the small town poser, we can trust you that there is a double message in this photo.

Matevz Gribar, Sasa Kapetanovic

Audi A1 he was a member of the editorial board for a long time so that we could analyze him in detail and reveal all his bright and dark sides in the magazine and on the Internet (on avto-magazin.si!). We exaggerate – maybe not, because it would be necessary to drive at least 300.000 km and then take it apart to the last screw… But after three months of use, the motorist can still say more and challenge the claims with more weight.

While we tested the A1 with a 1,4-liter petrol engine and automatic DSG when it hit the market late last year, this Enica is equipped with “only” a 1,2-liter TFSI engine, which is direct injection and a turbocharger with a capacity of 86 "horses". Even the Ambition equipment does not contain additional "sugars" such as cruise control, steering wheel switches, navigation, automatic air conditioning and blue teeth connection. What, he doesn't have bluetooth?

Yes, we can say that this Audi is quite plucky, especially if we think it's an Audi. At least the connection to the mobile phone and the "commands" on the steering wheel could have… However, this lack of equipment is very noticeable in the amount of euros, since the price of such a driven and equipped car starts from 18.070 euros. What a little more for this size class, but a little for - Audi.

Namely, when a person sits behind the wheel with four laps, the feeling, despite the absence of the aforementioned accessories, is on a higher level than if he were sitting in, say, a Volkswagen Polo. Curves - great seats, good materials, quality switches and nice design. Perhaps a little more color (or at least elements of a metallic appearance) on the dashboard would really help, at least considering how the Bahá'í exterior looks.

Silver arches from the hood to the tailgate are a good idea. The interesting but understated German exterior adds a bit of that playfulness and uniqueness that an urban toy like the A1 should almost have. Think Mini, Citroën C3… Justin Timberlake drove the same thing in an ad (only he had bluetooth, we guess), and we also recommend this choice to anyone considering buying. Without the silver temples and in black, gray and navy blue, the A1 is skinny and red with silver accessories and is interesting and appealing to our better halves (post photo, first time).

What did we learn after the first two thousand kilometers? That the TFSI is economical with a soft right foot (during the run it stopped at 5,8 liters per hundred kilometers in relative driving), that the power and torque (160 Nm at 1.500 rpm!) is a heavy car for a good ton and quite undemanding driver. That the five-speed gearbox is allowed to shift, and that it only occasionally resists when shifting into reverse (be aware that this technique has not yet been mastered).

The combination of a steering gear with very good feedback and a sporty chassis deserves a five if you smell a sporty ride, and only two good if you rely more on comfort than good delivery: the A1 on bumpy roads accentuates passengers like children in a pickup truck. (message-message, second). The old part of the editorial office already smells like comfort for everyday use. This is also correct.

Read more about the adventures of A1 and their passengers in future Auto magazines and in the online blog. We will try to be interesting and informative.

Text: Matevž Hribar

Photo: Matevž Gribar, Saša Kapetanovič.