Two more doors and a trick new four-cylinder.
JENS MEINERS and MATTHIAS KNÖDLER
MATTHIAS KNÖDLER, THE MANUFACTURER
Plenty of Engine Options
We sampled several other engines in the A1 Sportback, and the second surprise was that the entry-level 86-hp, 1.2-liter TFSI engine is entirely sufficient for this car. Coupled to a five-speed manual, it is lively and emits a pleasing but subtle note. We managed almost 37 mpg in spirited driving.
Another surprise, although not as pleasant, was the 2.0 TDI model and its 143-hp turbo-diesel. Subjectively, the sweet spot of this engine's torque band spans only from about 2200 to 2500 rpm, and on the whole, it doesn't feel more usable than the entry-level gas engine. The diesel feels heavier, and topping off the bad news is the fact that this engine couldn't match the indicated mileage we achieved in the 1.2 TFSI. That base model is simply much lighter. Load up any A1 with options, however, and you might end up with an extra 200 pounds.
We were not terribly impressed by the VW-sourced seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (internally called DQ200); we'd like it to react more quickly when we're really pushing the car. The A1's handling, however, is a marvel. It is comfortable and sporty, with a slight bias toward the sporty side. On dry roads, the Sportback remains staunchly neutral, and there is virtually no understeer; this changes slightly when the road is wet. The generally direct electrohydraulic power steering is not always linear in operation, though. When changing loads and direction rapidly, for instance, it tends to lighten up briefly.
The Five-Door Package
Compared with the three-door A1's, the Sportback's roofline is stretched, but the car is not longer overall. You can enter easily through the rear doors, and there is sufficient legroom there unless the front seat is all the way back, which will be necessary only for a few front occupants. There is about 0.4-inch-more headroom for rear passengers. The A1 Sportback, by the way, comes as a four- or five-seater. The four-seater has a sportier seat design, and to be honest, four seats really are as many as this supermini should offer. One gripe: Long-legged drivers will knock their knees into the wide front center console.
Jens Meiners in the 2012 Audi A1 Sportback
The A1 family likely won't get more body variations, but it is not complete yet. Audi has created a limited-edition A1 Quattro with a 256-hp, 2.0-liter TFSI in a run of only 333; next year, an S1 with about 220 hp will follow. What about a three-cylinder engine? No, says a company engineer: "We are studying it closely, but we don't believe the smoothness is sufficient for our brand."
What of the A1's chances in the U.S.? We've asked this question before, and the answer is that Audi could get it ready for this market within a short time, but the demand is not deemed big enough at present. The option is being kept open for the next generation, however. For now, the only supermini we get is BMW's own. It would be nice to have a nonretro alternative, particularly one as tech packed and nice to drive as the Audi A1.
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