Audi A1 40TFSI Sportback (2020) Long Term Review – Simply Brilliant!

Bigger and more distinctive than that of its predecessor, I was given the opportunity to spend the festive season behind the wheel of Audi’s latest A1. With its emotive styling, high-end technology and a lot of shove under the bonnet, I think that I might have just found a new favourite within this motoring segment!

What’s New?

Well, pretty much everything is new here. From the outside, Audi’s latest family lines are immediately evident. Sharp angles, purposeful creases and lines and a very distinctive image all help make-up the new A1.

The front fascia resembles an enlarged grille design, while from its side and rear profile, its immediate to see that the new A1 requires you to take it more seriously, while still retaining its fun-filled and loveable image.

Over on the inside, the cabin is refreshed and in-line with the Ingolstadt based firm’s latest designs. The cabin is driver-orientated and now features the likes of Virtual Cockpit, Audi’s digital instrumentation cluster, there are other impressive toys, features and options that would only previously have been seen reserved on bigger more expensive models, such as Bang & Olufsen sound, Mood lighting, a large 8-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice integration but to name a few of the features.

Out & About

The A1 is available currently in SA with either a 30 TFSI (1.0-litre motor), a 35TFSI (1.5-litre motor) or as I drive the very spicy 40TFSI which features the Volkswagen Audi group 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor with a very impressive 147 kW and 320 Nm of torque and seen in the Volkswagen Polo GTI.

With its planted ride, the A1 40TFSI that I spent time with was fitted with 18-inch Sportline wheels in their two-tone guise, as well as gunmetal coloured mirror housings. All in contrast with the Mythos Black paint scheme, the vehicle looked as impressive and imposing as it was to drive.

To Conclude

The looks of the new A1 alone make it a winner, then you couple this with Audi’s latest interior space, the brand’s typical attention to detail and build solidity which puts it into a league of its own and a motor derived from the Polo GTI and you are put simply “left with a winner!”

I have found my favourite car within this motoring segment, and spending several weeks behind the wheel, many journeys, many kilometres and many awesome experiences have just concreted its appeal.

SA Pricing (Base)

30 TFSI R359 900
30 TFSI Advanced Line R373 900
30 TFSI S Line R388 900
35 TFSI R429 900
35 TFSI Advanced Line R443 900
35 TFSI S Line R458 900
40 TFSI S Line R488 000 (vehicle, as tested, had several options fitted**)

Ending:

Read our full-written review at:

http://technobok.co.za/audi-a1-40tfsi-sportback-2020-long-term-review-simply-brilliant/

Find us on social media by further using the below links:

Twitter: @TechnoBokMedia

Instagram: @JasonCapeTown

Also, check out our recent competitor reviews including:

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub1gG2_DSO4&t=152s

The latest-generation Mini Cooper S:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJoYazRpOrY

And, the Volkswagen Golf R

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0hxe6nvufs&t=11s

Be sure to subscribe to TechnoBok for weekly vehicle reviews at:

http://youtube.com/technobokunboxing/

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