Audi A1 Sportback test drive since 2010 hatchback

Square root

Long -term test Audi A1: First Part


They often say about the most chic cars that this is premium in a square, they are so luxurious and richly equipped. But some do not need a large size at all, but I want to join the premium quality. How to be? Audi has an answer: A1 hatchback, a square root from the premium.

So far, the only company from the big three of the German premium brands decided to go into a modest segment in their own name and BMW and Mercedes-Benz sell cars in this class under other brands: Bavarians have Mini, Smart Stuttgars.


Even in this format, Audi will be recognized unconditionally. This strict and tightened Bundes style applies to all models of the company. It was not without broken in the original manner of LED eyes.

It would seem that after the appearance of so much compact model the price of an entrance ticket to the premium, for which you can buy yourself a small, but already Audi, should have fallen at least below the mark from which the BMW penny starts, and, the B-classes of Mercedes- Benz and, in fact, Audi A3. But this did not happen: the basic value of A1 in Russia is slightly different from A3 (808 thousand rubles against 898 thousand), and the car in our configuration is generally indecently dumped for a million it costs 1 201,300 rubles! For this money, you can buy a very well -equipped Volkswagen Golf or crossover like Nissan Qashqai or Ford Kuga.


In the angle, three quarters from behind the A1 hatchback is very good by the frying, sports and vigor. A good lid of the trunk in the entire width of the body and a solid double -barreled steamer of the exhaust system is visible. With a hint?

Not fair? Everything is simple. After all, the point is not only in the input ticket. This is a VIP ticket. Because for A1 the role of not just the smallest Audi, but also the brightest model in the ruler was prepared. And they clearly buy a city dad out of frugality.


In the profile of form A1, they emphasize a small spoiler on the back door, a stylish horizontal line-ravit, as if dissecting the body in half and, of course, contrast arches. But the winter wheels of a modest 15th size are a little spoiled by all this beauty: you need to put at least 16 inches!

It all started with the Metroproject Quattro concept frame shown at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 2007. With a hybrid power plant, an independent rear suspension and, of course, with all -wheel drive. In production, however, we did not see all this. But the serial A1 almost unchanged retained the stylish appearance of the concept and the possibility of individualizing the appearance: you can choose the color of the roof arcs, install the S-Line package or add bright colors to the interior decoration. And most importantly, for a car with four rings on the Radiator A1 grille, it turned out to be impudent and very original! In general, Audi decided to give a premium battle Mini, Alfa Romeo Mi.to and Citroen DS3.

Interior


Like adults, Audi A1 Salon has practically no ergonomic miscalculations. It is convenient to sit with any growth and complexion. Materials, of course, are simpler than in expensive models, but for its class out of competition. The hand of the premium brand is felt.


The front seats Audi A1 have a minimum set of mechanical adjustments (longitudinal, in height, lumbar support and back inclination), but their convenience can be envied: traditionally slightly harsh, but not annoying, and quite tenacious.


The dashboard is strict, just like large audi. Two round dials with sensors of the fuel level and coolant temperature and the on -board computer located between them. True, monochrome: the larger baby is not supposed to be status.

What got a serial machine after all the high technologies of the Metroproject Quattro concept have taken it from it? Filling from the real world: 1.4 TFSI turbo engine with a capacity of 122 forces, a 7 -speed robot S Tronic and a reconfigured brother of the Volkswagen Polo concern. There are also options with a 1.2 liter engine and a pen, but in Russia they are not in special demand.

The platform is from Polo, and the steam engine-transmission from the higher Golf ranking. And this, damn it, is great, because in the end A1 turned out to be a very dynamic car. It is 8.9 seconds to hundreds only at first glance seem not very fast: A1 is faster than all in their class, if you do not take into account the charged versions. Mini Cooper (the same 122 forces) loses A1 only 0.2 seconds, but still loses. And the 120-horsepower DS3 on the machine accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour in 10.9!

It is also pleasing that good dynamic did not affect the consumption of fuel. The first thousand kilometers of Audi mileage consumed an average of 9.7 liters per 100 kilometers. Of course, this result is far from passport 5.3 liters, but still it should be recognized as normal, especially given that the A1 constantly provokes an active drive. Yes, and we had another example: Opel Corsa with a 100-horsepower 1.4-litrous atmospheric, who visited our garage in the fall, consumed 10.4 liters with much more scarce dynamics.


9.7 liters of 95th gasoline per 100 kilometers of run is a very good result for a very dynamic car with 122 forces under the hood and my completely economical driving style.

It is a pleasure to control the traction on A1, and the mutual understanding with the S Tronic robot is complete. In Drive mode, he, of course, allows yourself tangible delays in switching, but you quickly get used to it and start to press gas with a margin. In sports mode, the box works perfectly: he holds the transmission with pleasure, allows later switching, and the transmission changes very quickly and almost imperceptibly.

A version with a robotic transmission costs approximately 70 thousand rubles more than mechanics, and this is an impressive percentage of the total cost of the car. But we would advise you to spend money on S Tronic such a car is much more comfortable and more convenient in urban driving, and the presence of a robot does not affect dynamics.


Audi A1 has a regular mechanical handbrake. But using it in the winter is interfered with the completely ESP system.

The A1 suspension constructively repeats most McPherson classmates in front and a half -dependent beam to twist the back. What is not surprising if you recall the Donor VW Polo. But the chassis is well tuned. Especially for smooth roads. On Moscow pits and bumps, Audi A1 is still a little harsh, although all the shocks and blows are very worthy of the car for a car of this class. A premium hand of Audi engineers is felt.

This stiffness only impresses the driver entirely involved in the gambling process. A1 should be instantly driving, in vihi is very stable on the arc, and on a high -speed straight line will give a head start to many. It’s not for nothing that the maximum speed here is 203 kilometers per hour. By the way, the steering wheel on A1 is quite light, unlike the older Audi models, where it is often artificially, synthetically fascinated. But this lightness is not at all to the detriment of information content: the feeling of front wheels is excellent.


Audi follows the hands and feet of the driver almost without delay even on winter tires. The turn is very willing, and the insufficient rotation that arose was easy to kill with the discharge of gas. Clear, affordable and even gambling front -wheel drive handling.

But passengers, especially the rear ones, still sometimes complain of excessive rigidity of the suspension. Shaking. Especially on transverse joints and plastic bedsid policemen. And this is on the winter 15-inch wheels (in the Audi A1 database it comes with 16-inch discs)!


On the 6.5-inch color display, growing from the central console of our car, there were no exclusively entertainment and elevated navigation functions. Navigation package option) costs 62,344 rubles, and a multimedia interface with a navigation system MMI Navigation Plus is already 142,392 rubles.


The CONCERT audio system (option: 22,849 rubles): CD (MP3, WMA, AAC), AUX-in-SD, reading the volume level depending on the speed of the car, 8 speakers in front and back, was installed on the test machine. total capacity of 80 watts.

It is impossible not to say a few words about winter tires. Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D dimensions 205/55 R15 were installed on the test car. It is this size that the car manufacturer recommends. But if you prefer spikes in winter, you will have to put tires more, for example, 195/55 R15, since there are no studs from leading manufacturers in the recommended size. On the other hand, one cannot but say that the discrepancy between the dimension of the wheels can lead to a removal from the guarantee.


In winter, the question of access to the flood neck of the washer tank becomes extremely relevant. In Audi A1, it is conveniently located. Pay attention to the fact that there is also an oil filter.

What is inconvenient in Audi A1? Traditionally, for all representatives of this type of body, A1 has long and rather heavy doors. But they close with a juicy, expensive sound. The passage to the rear seat (formed, by the way, for only two) is organized better than in many other three -door, but the long -legged here will still have a hard time. Close -up.


Access to the rear seat in the Audi A1 is organized quite conveniently: pulling the handle on the side of the chair, you simultaneously fold the back and move the pillow forward. Quickly, in one movement.


It is better not to plant in the back row of lanky: the head will fall into the sloping roof, knees in the back of the front seat. But two people of medium height there are quite comfortable. One could plant the third, but the cup holders in the middle and a high tunnel interfere.


Not every representative of the segment has an air supply to the legs of the rear passengers. An indispensable thing for traveling from behind.

A clear miscalculation lack of the trunk opening button from the inside of the cabin. Of course, it is on the key, but with its help you can only unlock the lock, and grab the rear door always dirty in rabbid weather. So I see how glamorous mistresses curse, puffing their hands and breaking pellets. I am sure that many of them would prefer this button with xenon headlights.


In terms of trunk, Audi A1 is clearly not a champion: 270 liters with the back of the rear seats raised and 920 with lowered. But it is all laid out with a pleasant fibrous cloth, there is a good backlight, hooks and a special tape for fastening the cargo.


In the underground, a foam organizer with a variety of compartments. One of them is busy with a compressor and a sealant (there is not even a docking), but the second first -aid kit.


The back of the rear sofa folds in a traditional proportion of 2: 3. Unfortunately, a flat loading site does not work.


With an open rear door, secret lanterns of dimensions and emergency are found on the body racks. It is very convenient if I had to stop in the dark on the road with an open trunk.

In the cabin, especially in a cold machine, you can hear the creaking of the framing gearbox of plastic gearboxes, and another cricket lives in the armrest. Against the background of the general almost impeccable assembly, good materials, convenient seats and the reference ergonomics, these extraneous sounds seem to be anti-a-aircraft. But it is worth making a discount that the test car has already traveled to us 16,000 not the lightest kilometers in rather hard operation. And during this time the interior did not lose its original solidity and quality. Simply put, it looks like new, despite the rag upholstery of the seats (leather seats go for the surcharge).


Ventilation deflectors in A1 A real work of art. The solution is excellent beautiful and it is convenient to use.


Why, unlike Volkswagen Audi, stubbornly makes the volume adjustment on the right hub of the steering wheel, and not on the left, is not clear.

I have passed half a month as a temporary owner, Audi A1 really like it: dynamic, with acute handling, quite economical and very vague in the city. All this was appreciated, as I noticed, many. Moreover, I often see the A1 of young young ladies not familiar to such a baby (although, of course, they are), but quite solid men. All of them together, oddly enough, is the A1 audience. It is diverse and irrelevant. In it, people who need a root from the premium not because it is inexpensive and it already has the treasured four rings on the emblem. And because they have no complexes in relation to the size, they do not bother about gender affiliation, they simply chose a small, but very bold, fast and interesting car. Although in their financial capabilities could well dwell on something larger and more conservative.

So everyone does not always solve money. And let A1 cost more than a million. There will be those who wish.

Exploitation
The total mileage of the car, kilometers 18501
Mileage from the beginning of the dough, 967 kilometers
Fuel consumption, liters per 100 kilometers 9.7

Technical characteristics Audi A1
Type of engine gasoline-turbo R4
Working volume 1390 cm
Max. Power, L.S./rpm 122/5000
Max. moment, nm/rpm 200/1500-4000
Type of drive front
Transmission 7-st. Robot S Tronic
Front suspension Independent McPherson
Rear suspension torsion beam
Brakes Disc ventilated in front and discs behind
Dimensions (DHSHHV), mm 3952x1740x1416
Wheel base, mm 2469
Equipped mass, kg 1200
Max. Speed, km/hour 203
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, from 8.9
Fuel consumption (comb.), L/100 km 5.3
Summer of the luggage compartment, l 270-920
Fuel tank volume, l 45
Tire size 205/55 R15
Price, rubles 1 201 300

Source: Motor magazine [January 2012]