Audi A1 review: Audi works its magic on the VW Polo

Luxury car makers have found out the best way to drum up new business is to make the brand more accessible. But how premium are these entry-level cars?

In the car business, much effort, thought and money goes into chasing the “conquest customer.” That’s the person who drives Brand A but who, with a bit of persuading, might be prepared to change allegiance to Brand B.

Luxury car makers, led by Mercedes Benz, worked out about 20 years ago that one of the best ways to hook a conquest customer is to make their brand more accessible. When Mercedes introduced the A-Class hatchback in 1998, a whole lot of people who thought they would never be able to afford a Benz suddenly realised that they could.

The Audi A1 shares its underpinnings with the VW Polo.

Audi’s second generation A1, priced from $32,350, is its most affordable model, and 80 per cent of A1 buyers are new to the brand.

Most of them will never go back to driving Fords, Hondas and Toyotas. What would the neighbours think?

Value

If they know their cars, they may crack a wry smile, because the base model A1 30 TFSi is a redecorated Volkswagen Polo.

Prices for the A1 start at more than $32,000.

Nearly all of the hardware, including the body, running gear and 85kW 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo/seven-speed dual-clutch auto, is the same; the sheetmetal and interior design are different.

Oh, and the price. The Polo 85TSi Comfortline costs $22,790 — that’s $9560, or nearly 30 per cent, less than the Audi. Inspiring badge envy in others doesn’t come cheap. We’re testing the mid-spec 35 TFSi, with a 110kW 1.5-litre turbo four/seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, a combination not available in the Polo. It costs $35,290.

Pennies have been pinched. Notably absent are the brand’s signature quality materials and trim, replaced by hard, cheap plastics on many surfaces, including the dash and controls.

This is a very expensive small hatchback. Much of what you should reasonably expect at the price isn’t there — you have to cough up extra for navigation, voice control, LED lights, dual-zone aircon, heated front seats and decent audio.

VW does five years’ warranty on a Polo. Audi gives you three. Sometimes, the more you pay, the less you get.

The A1 is only covered by a three year warranty.

Comfort

The firm, supportive driver’s seat, with a long, angled cushion and lots of travel, complements a driving position that can be tailored to any physique.

The large infotainment touchscreen, angled towards the driver, is easy to move around. There are clear and informative digital instruments, plus Type A and C USB sockets, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital radio and wireless phone charging.

Rear legroom is still pretty tight — as it is for the class in general — and no vents or device connectors are provided.

Kids may feel a bit claustrophobic due to high window sills and a low bench.

On optional 18-inch alloys (part of the $2990 Style package), the ride is well controlled, firm and busy. You feel the road surface — and at highways speed you certainly hear it, with raised voices needed to converse above extremely loud tyre noise.

The A1’s infotainment screen is angles towards the driver for easier viewing.

Safety

Again, you’re paying maximum money for minimum tech. There’s no blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise or rear cross traffic alert. That said, according to ANCAP, the A1’s standard autonomous emergency braking “raises the benchmark for collision avoidance in the light car segment”.

Driving

VW’s 1.5-litre four gets off the line smartly then dies a little on a light throttle, because it’s engineered for economy and the transmission spends as much time in the high gears as possible. So you push the pedal harder, responsiveness and performance improve, and everybody’s happy.

The A1 is a perky drive thanks to its low weight.

Assisted by the car’s light weight (1165kg), the time of 7.7 seconds from 0-100km/h is pretty respectable for a small hatch.

So is fuel economy. Automatic stop-start is standard, the engine runs on two cylinders under light loads and, on a trailing throttle, the transmission has a freewheeling function. This yields highway economy of 4L-5L/100km — around town, expect 6L-8L on premium.

Using the Polo’s basic Macpherson strut front/torsion beam rear suspension layout, the A1 is nippy, agile and relatively untroubled by rough surfaces. Steering is feather-light, sharp and — unusually for Audi — communicative at speed, while the brakes are fine.

If you want a proper sporty drive, VW will sell you a Polo GTI, with a 147kW 2.0-litre turbo and adaptive, fully independent suspension, for $31,990. That’s $3300 less than the Audi. Bargain.

Heart says

What I would really like is a TT coupe but this will have to do. It’s got the badge. That’s what counts.

Head says

I want a stylish, comfortable, fuel-efficient small car that really works in the city. I live in an apartment, so the electric car option doesn’t work for me.

Verdict 3/5

Audi is usually highly skilled at giving humble VWs the millionaire makeover but the only thing rich about the 2020 A1 is the price. Too much money, not enough car.

Alternatives

Mazda2 GT, from $25,990

The top-spec Mazda gets the infotainment and safety tech the A1 should have, a classier cabin and a willing, frugal 82kW 1.5-litre four/six-speed auto. Five years’ warranty.

VW Polo 85TSI Style, $24,990

This is the same car as the 85kW 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo/seven-speed base A1. You get sports seats, dual zone aircon, navigation and Beats audio. Five-year warranty.

Audi A1 vitals

Price: $35,290

Warranty/servicing: 3 years, $1990, 5 years

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo, 110kW/250Nm

Safety: 5 stars, 6 airbags, AEB with cyclist and pedestrian detection, speed limiter, lane keep assist, parking sensors

Thirst: 5.8L/100km

Spare: Repair kit

Boot: 335L

Originally published as Audi A1 review: Audi works its magic on the VW Polo