Thoughts on Audi A1?

[Bobby Dazzler]

I'd be really interested to hear thoughts on the Audi A1, especially the 1.6 TDi.

For a while I've been considering something dinky and frugal for commuting, but had previously dismissed the A1 because it was pricey next to say a Polo.

 

[evdok]

I was given one as a load car when i took relatives Audi for service, i loved it until i saw the price list.

 

[wemorgan]

I'm not a fan of the A1, but that's only because I'm a previous A2 owner, which in my eyes is the much more interesting car. But the A2 is at least 8 years old now, so it's not exactly comparing apples with apples.

But trying to put that to one side, I still would find it hard to justify the price of the A1 against the Polo and Fabia.

 

[flango]

Good but far too expensive for what it is, there are better cars for far less money. I've never been able to work out why people buy these when for exactly the same money you can have the A3

 

[BaldGuy]

My Niece has just bought one... 1.6 FSI Sportline.... lovely car well made... but a bit girly for a fella IMO

 

[dhard]

Good but far too expensive for what it is, there are better cars for far less money. I've never been able to work out why people buy these when for exactly the same money you can have the A3

A3 cost 4k more ..

 

[Lxb3]

The five-door looks good. I must admit though, I think I'd rather have a Fabia with EVERYTHING on it for a lot less money... and less depreciation.

 

[Spin_bowler]

I hired one for a few days last year. It was a 1.2TFSi, not fast but an absolute hoot to drive. It's handling was exceptional and the engine always seemed to be in the right gear, plenty of go for a not fast car, if you see what I mean.

I reckon it was as much fun as I've had in a car for ages with the added bonus that I was never going fast enough to get in (serious) trouble. The cabin was standard Audi fair, solid materials well screwed together but a bit dour, decent level of standard equipment as well.

Downside, the start-stop was diabolical, it seemed to be constantly catching itself out and was easy to get bogged down when leaving lights etc. I turned it off.

I've read that the bigger engined ones are not as good to drive, it might be worth looking at the little petrol depending on intended mileage/use.

 

[flango]

A3 cost 4k more ..

More discount on an A3 so the purchase cost is the same

 

[WG M-B]

I have just bought an A3 1.8t auto for a run around. Cracking little car and cost me sub 2k!!!!! Don't know how much you are planning to spend but the bargains are out there

 

[V12]

Bought the wife a citroen c1 5 door, same as an aygo or 107. Picked up a year old model with low mileage and a few important options on it.
Absolute bargain to buy and run, tax, insurance and fuel consumption all very good!.
It's a real bare bones car compared to an A1, but they score well in the reliability tests, engine and many other parts are labelled toyota on ours. I believe the axle components are lifted from the yaris?
Fun to drive and tiny footprint especially for a 5dr means round town driving and parking is very easy.

We have other cars for distance driving, this never gets used for more than 5 miles at a time, for which it is perfect.

 

[dhard]

More discount on an A3 so the purchase cost is the same

Utter nonsense .. The differents between the two models is around 4k and if you can get 4k of a brand new a3 ( which I would be very surprised as its only just come out ) then you are going to get the same discount on a a1 as it a older model ..

 

[flango]

Utter nonsense .. The differents between the two models is around 4k and if you can get 4k of a brand new a3 ( which I would be very surprised as its only just come out ) then you are going to get the same discount on a a1 as it a older model ..

I was referring to the A1 Vs the outgoing A3 where you could get far more than £4k off the list price of a new one, hence the comment.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

My sister has just bought a new A220 CDi Sport and I'm very impressed with it, although the auto box doesn't suit a four pot.

What about one of those?

If you're stuck on an A1, one thing that will cheer you up will be the residuals; cars that are aimed at the young/females always hold their money (BMW Minis and VW Beetles spring to mind)

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Thanks for all of your comments. I was talking to ABT about tweaking a Polo Bluemotion of Up! and showed me some photos of their A1 demonstrator, and it looks rather mean!

I had dismissed them before as they're expensive for a runabout, compared to say a Polo, Up! or Fabia, and as has been suggested they're a touch young-and-trendy-female for an old-and-grey-male like me! But strangely it's the first small car I've mentioned which Mrs D hasn't said I would look ridiculous driving!

But having caught my eye, a tweaked A1 might just be the car to finally get me into a commuter car - I've thought about it for years! Quality feel, Xenons (not easily found in a small car), proper audio, and subtle but sporty looking.

Further thoughts and comments welcomed!

 

[o2drive]

The A1 looks the part One of my friends has one,but it is only a FOUR seater no middle belt! very harsh ride too

 

[robtt]

Just go and try a Fiat500 Abarth. They are like the proper original Mini Cooper. Loads of go, cheap as chips to run and it will make you smile !!!

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Just go and try a Fiat500 Abarth. They are like the proper original Mini Cooper. Loads of go, cheap as chips to run and it will make you smile !!!

+1 to this...

 

[BlackC55]

How about the Polo diesel?

My Mrs has one. Its so cheap to run!

 

[C43AMG]

How about the Polo diesel?

My Mrs has one. Its so cheap to run!

A friend of mine has one, an absolute flying machine. ( 1.6 )