In the driving report: Audi A1 1.4 TFSI - small perfectionist with slight weaknesses

For the first time since Audi 50, the 1978 in favor of VW Polo I. was discontinued, put the Ingolstadt again a real small car on the wheels. This time the Audi A1 on the polo v - however, in contrast to the past of 40 years of the automobile past greater differences exist. And that's good.

The test car is a special phenomenon. He is beaming, he is beaming at me in dreary autumn gray with his loud and eye-catching paint job. "Misano" nennt Audi this pearlescent paint. I do not like the color at first, but as the trial period progresses I am more and more friends with the little fire truck. The painted in ice silver metallic roof arches and mirror caps spray a touch of sportiness, which also wants to be suggested by the roof edge spoiler.

The front in the Audi-Einheitsdesign makes me a favor not easy, see the different Audi models are now too similar. However, if I refrain from my reservations, I can very well take note of the clear and objective, yet dynamic design in front and side line nodding in appreciation.

However, I can not make friends with the rear on the last day either. It falls out of proportion and leaves the A1 look misshapen to the rear.

Interior, workmanship & ergonomics

In terms of workmanship and related materials shows Audi clearly where the claims the Ingolstadt lie. The mix of materials in the interior white immediately, foamed plastic flatter the hands and the leather-coated sports steering wheel not only says "Sports"it also breathes "Tenderness", In fact, all metallic-looking switches, buttons and levers made of metal prove in fact. A special highlight are the turning wheels of the automatic air conditioning: grooved metal with clearly defined clicks - that's the way it is, that's what I like about it.

Who puts it on, will be able to make out only below the knee hard plastic. On the other hand, weaknesses in ergonomics can be detected much earlier, as I stated in an earlier article, The unlit ignition lock gives rise to the desire for a keyless entry system, especially in the dark. The instrument cluster is clearly articulated and therefore very easy to read, however, I miss displays for the low beam. Without dislocations I do not know if and which light is on. Also, the switches below the climate control are very unfavorable - especially since these are still slightly lower in the center console. Since the rear window heating ever sought something longer. Even worse it looks with the cigarette lighter: this is so deep and unfavorable, so very delicate hands are needed to connect something here. Also disturbing are the silver vent cuffs. These reflect in the dark sometimes so strong that a look in the side mirror is impossible.

The space allows hardly any complaints. Front prevails space as in the middle class and even in the rear I am surprisingly much space between the driver's seat and knees. However, I hit the back of the head with the rear edge of the roof and on top of that, the rear headrests can not be set high enough or not engage. Space in the rear is at best available for passengers up to 1,70 meter size.

Dynamics, engine & transmission

Dynamic has the Audi A1 also with its 122 PS to offer a lot. The pleasantly direct steering gives the driver both the vehicle and the road adequate contact, so I feel as a driver on the steering wheel as an interface between the car and the road. The standard sports seats of the AmbitionWith their tight upholstery and good lateral support, they provide the support I need in swift turns.

The small 1.4 TFSI offers amazingly agile performance. Already in the middle speed range is the full torque, which ensures a decent amount of thrust. The dual-clutch transmission S tronic Especially in city traffic always has the right driving gear ready and can convince me in the urban jungle even more. Because despite the possibility of being able to make gear changes using the paddle shifters, I often feel patronized by the technology, since an automatic transmission can not reflect my driving style. If I want to accelerate quickly at a traffic light, that reacts S tronic inappropriate - as if I were doing a quarter mile race.

There are also a few seconds of commemoration. If I want to accelerate speedily on the highway at the exit to the permitted maximum speed, the transmission approves a short break, until it seems to have found the right gear. With manual gear changes via the shift paddles these are only delayed. Accurate, speed-oriented switching is so impossible.

Otherwise, the dual-clutch transmission can fully exploit its strengths: virtually jerk-free acceleration with almost no interruption of traction. It shows the A1 with only 1.390 cm³ good pulling behavior in every situation. The engine sound is less exciting. He falls by no means annoying or otherwise conspicuous and only with the window open can the turbo guess. He gets slightly grumpy in the speed cellar when power is suddenly demanded.

Conclusion

Per se, nothing bad about the Audi A1 Ambition say. His 1.4 TFSIEngine convinces as an everyday engine with power reserve on demand. The S tronic-Transmission do what it should: switch smoothly through its seven gears. Nevertheless, this could not persuade me; that's less about technology than about my individual driving style. As for the processing in the interior, will be Audi meets his own requirements - even if it remains extremely amazing what a small car offers here. The optional xenon headlights are a real recommendation.

However, the smallest Ingolstadt also affords weaknesses. Especially the interior ergonomics is not optimal. However, the complaining remains at a very high level.

What I have to chalk to Audi, however, is the pricing policy. For example, heated exterior mirrors cost extra, although these are electrically adjustable anyway. This is not understandable.

With 29.000, - € test car price is the A1 Ambition 1.4 TFSI No bargain, but everyone has to decide for themselves whether an unusually well-made small car is worth so much money.