Audi A1 Sportback test drive since 2010 hatchback

Audi A1. Secret fairway

Audi A1. Price: Not defined. On sale: Since September 2010

Not as pretentious as mini, and not entangled from the roof to the wheel by the dogmas of historical correspondence, following the example of Fiat 500 ... The new Audi A1 is the most modern and individualistic representative of a narrow premium-compact segment. What we were convinced of, swinging on it along the Berlin wall of the symbolic border between the past and future

Test pilot
Vladimir Makkaveev, 32 years old, automobile journalist, driving experience of 14 years, personal car - Volvo C30

Having modern design systems in service, it is always easier to start with a clean sheet than to maneuver on narrow winding fairways between model traditions, the historical heritage of the brand and the high -tech needs of the modern world. To shove into these frames a modern model stuffed with electronics is no easier than starting a strategic aircraft carrier into a narrow fishing bay. Not weighed down by the shackles of historical trends, Audi designers approached the design of their first compact low -commandment with the maximum degree of freedom. As a result, a light and emotional little car was born, a 20th -century child, the first premium low -iority, from beginning to end created in the second millennium.

Of course, some genetic features like original inclined control consoles on the steering wheel knitting needles taken from the new A8, the baby A1 borrowed from relatives. But these are only small dashes on light and fresh, like a teenage girl, Audi A1 face. A flexible camp with a smoothly bending roof. Updated hexagonal radiator grille. And an even more original back with pronounced, as if hanging in mascara, hanging over the vertical wall of the trunk with rear lights. The salon is just as fresh and individual.

It is stylistically built by a very advantageous virgin torpedo with four round contraction systems of the air conditioning system and a monitor of the navigation system, which was removed under the panel, like a mushroom, is based on the leg of the central console, which was covered with buttons and regulators. There are not so many elements of management, especially considering the unprecedented A1 power supply for the CD-class. Starting with a complete set of modern auxiliary electronics, including ESP with electronic intervaling inter-ceiling differential and ending with a mass of fashionable lotions like a contactless key, a powerful 465-watt speaker system and the MMI Navigation Plus informational and entertainment system borrowed from the representative Audi Audi Audi Audi Audi Audi Audi Audi Audi-entertainment system. There are even slots for SDHC cards.

Sometimes, especially in the mercantile expectation of the announcement of Russian prices, it seems that all this is even too much. Mal Soldier Audi A1, but dear! Even in Europe, prices for it start with 15,800 euros. But this is in the minimum configuration. But all the charm of A1 in its individualization.

The freshness of the forms and the individual Make-up Audi gives the client the opportunity to independently put on and color his baby before going out to the light of A1 in the gray mass of compact city cars. Yes, and on the road Audi will give a head start to many. Not even so much in dynamics and efficiency, although acceleration to hundreds for 8.9 C with an average fuel consumption in a mixed cycle of 5.2-5.3 liters for a car with a 1.4 -liter engine is a very good indicator, but in a controlled and general The unity of the car and the driver.

In the peak, most fellow tribesmen, of which at low speeds are distinguished by a very soft, even imposing steering wheel, everything is different with this Audi. The steering wheel is quite tough, homogeneous and informative in the entire speed range. The minimum weight, short base and very fast and hard, both longitudinal and transverse loads, the suspension also became the key to good handling. Given the youth orientation of the model, this is quite logical. On the Berlin paving stones, however, the McPherson rack settings in the front and the torsion beam from the back sometimes may seem tubby. Especially given the fact that more than 50% of the drivers of the new A1, according to Audi forecasts, will represent an excellent floor. On the other hand, having laid out a very solid amount for A1, this control package of customers is unlikely to travel on Red Square on it and even more so will not stick to Off-Road.

In Russia, A1 will be available with two turbocharged gasoline engines with a volume of 1.2 (86 hp, 160 nm) and 1.4 liters (122 hp, 200 nm). The 1.6-liter diesel will not reach our country. The 1.2-liter version will be aggregated with 5 MKP, and a 1.4 liter engine with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed S Tronic to choose from. For the city, and even given the ladies' orientation of the model, the machine gun is certainly more comfortable. However, even with comparable in general dynamics, in terms of controllability and emotionality S Tronic in this case, the handle is noticeably inferior. So, if you do not manage to squeeze the clutch and independently switch the programs, do not even think: choose the Audi A1 1.4 TFSI from the IAL, and go on! Even if you suddenly stall at a traffic light, do not be offended, girls Start-stop system will independently correct your mistake. A1 forgives them, and very willingly!

We do not love
Despite the small size of the mirrors, the overview of the baby Audi A1 does not cause complaints. In terms of parking, this is one of the most convenient city cars. Clearly
For the best hanging on the axes, the battery in a 1.4-liter version of A1 is removed in the trunk. But there are no places for the spare, no. However, in the city this is not so critical, but A1 is not particularly located to distant travels. Reasonable
The rear lights hang elegantly from the edge of the luggage door, forming a niche in the form of an inverted letter U. The element is not new for Audi, but in the appearance of A1 it is expressed brighter than on large models. Stylish

Driving
The highest degree predictable controllability. In the version with mechanics, driving gives true pleasure.

Salon
Given the dimensions of the car, for two the salon is quite spacious. The three-on-offer will not be so comfortable.

Comfort
To improve handling, the suspension is made quite rigid, which is quite consistent with the youth style A1.

Safety
A worthy set of security systems, including ESP with an electronic interval of inter -axle differential.

Price
Not defined (in Europe from 15 800).

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Bright youth appearance, dense neutral controllability, top degree of individualization.
- The buttons of the lower row on the central console are drowned too deep: access to them is difficult.

Specifications
Mark and model - Audi A1 1.4 FSI
Dimensions - 3954x1740x1416 mm
Engine - gasoline, 1390 cm3, 122 hp/5000 min -1
Transmission - mechanical, 6 -speed
Dynamics - max 200 km/h; 8.9 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Mini Cooper, Fiat 500

Our opinion
The highest degree modern youth car, stuffed with almost all electronic systems that such a baby can accommodate. With such a rich energy supply A1, it will cost a lot. But you have to pay for individuality, and the scope for individualization A1 provides a huge one.


Author: Vladimir Makkaveev

 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [September 2010]