The Audi A1 (internally designated Typ 8X) is a supermini-class car launched by Audi at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Sales of the initial three door A1 model started in Germany in August 2010, with the United Kingdom following in November 2010. The car is aimed mostly at young, affluent urban buyers.
A five door Audi A1 Sportback model is to be launched later, in 2011.
Stylish, chic and sophisticated. These three words sum up the Audi A1. It may be the smallest (and cheapest) Audi in the range but this sporty three-door - Audi's answer to the likes of the MINI and Citroen DS3 - is every bit as good as it looks. And as you'd expect from an Audi, the A1 is a premium hatchback with a high class interior, superb build quality and impressive refinement
Thanks to a range of efficient turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, it's cheap to run with all models able to average at least 50mpg while the 1.6 belt cam TDI diesel manages a penny-pinching 70.6mpg. But this doesn't mean the A1 is all show and no go because despite the modest engines, the light weight of the Audi A1 ensures peppy performance.Audi hasn't skimped on standard kit either, making the A1 good value for money. All versions come generously equipped with alloy wheels, air conditioning and ESP stability control as standard which is more than many similarly priced equivalents offer.Of course the big comparison is with the MINI and there are certainly obvious similarities between the two, but the Audi A1 walks a slightly different path with a more aggressive style and cutting edge interior. Plus, like most small cars of this ilk, there's plenty of scope for personalisation with different contrasting roof line options and a wide range of accessories.
The quality and style that Audi has able to bring to the small car market, along with great handling, means the Audi A1 is a cut above its competitors and makes this highly desirable yet cheap to run hatchback a great choice.
