Brief test: Audi A1 Sportback 1.6 TDI (77 kW) Ambition
Test Drive

Brief test: Audi A1 Sportback 1.6 TDI (77 kW) Ambition

Already when we tested the A1 for the first time, our enthusiasm for pleasing design and workmanship diminished with ease of use when in A1 several more passengers had to be transported. It was difficult to sit and sit in the back, and the weight, and the way of opening, and the size of the door also caused dissatisfaction. We can forget about all this in the A1 Sportback, as it's amazing how two additional side doors can change the usability of a car. It's true that the A1 now looks less like a small coupe, but the shape isn't really that different to make this addition really noticeable.

Two more doors help a lot, which makes us feel this way A1 Sportback much more expensive than their money than a three-door A1... The overall impression is above all good interior design and, of course, good workmanship and use of materials. Here, too, there is nothing to complain about, namely, the uninteresting color of the interior in the tested car. This is not a major concern, just as we shouldn't take seriously the conclusion that the gauged dashboard in the Audi A1 is a longtime familiar to all Audi. It's just Audi style and that's what most customers appreciate: you always know you're in an Audi!

The driving experience also takes care of this. The fairly straight and precise steering feel complements the exemplary road position well. Our car had slightly larger wheels than the first test A1, but that didn't hurt it even in terms of comfort on rough roads, and the 17-inch wheels contributed to a more respectable look. Also worth mentioning is the extremely reliable braking stop.

The 1,6-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel is a long-time familiar to all those to whom cars from the Volkswagen Group are not completely foreign. Experience shows that it is quite powerful, which also applies to the characteristics of the A1 Sportback, which, despite its small size, is not even such a light car. The engine allows us to be with A1 Sportbacks on the road can also be very fast. On the other hand, she was surprised by her ability to drive economically. Already an average standard consumption of 3,8 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers (and 99 g of CO2 per kilometer) promises adequate fuel economy, and in case of serious problems it is possible to achieve an average consumption of this Audi close to the promised standard consumption. With moderate driving, the average fuel consumption was only 4,9 liters per 100 km, which is a great achievement for a tester working in difficult conditions.

We don't know if the five-speed manual transmission contributed to this. While it is true that the engine has such torque characteristics that it can be constantly used at the right rpms, the fact that we have to give up sixth gear with such a respected brand seems a little dubious.

The smallest Audi in the five-door version it is offered mainly to those who were dissatisfied with the ease of use due to poor usability. Either way, the Sportback also oozes a decent brand reputation and is a welcome addition to A1.

Text: Tomaž Porekar, photo: Saša Kapetanovič

Audi A1 Sportback 1.6 TDI (77 kW) Ambition

Basic data

Technical information

engine: 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - displacement 1598 cm3 - maximum power 77 kW (105 hp) at 4.400 rpm - maximum torque 250 Nm at 1.500-2500 rpm.


Energy transfer: engine-driven front wheels - 5-speed manual transmission - tires 215/40 R 17 W (Bridgestone Potenza 5001).
Capacity: 190 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 10,7 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 4,4/3,4/3,8 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 99 g/km.
Mass: empty vehicle 1.240 kg - permissible gross weight 1.655 kg.
External dimensions: length 3.954 mm - width 1.746 mm - height 1.422 mm - wheelbase 2.469 mm - trunk 270 l - fuel tank 45 l.

Our measurements

T = 29 ° C / p = 1.036 mbar / rel. vl. = 33% / odometer status: 3.816 km
Acceleration 0-100km:10,5s
402m from the city: 17,4 years (


128 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h: 10,2s


(IV.)
Flexibility 80-120km / h: 14,7s


(V.)
Maximum speed: 190km / h


(V.)
test consumption: 7,1 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 36,6m
AM table: 41m

evaluation

  • The Audi A1 Sportback is definitely a good choice for those who want a small, useful and respectable car.

We praise and reproach

driving dynamics and position on the road

economical engine

respectable appearance

workmanship

excellent brakes

comfortable front seats

passive and active safety

unattractive (even colored) interior

only five-speed manual transmission

relatively high price

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