Audi A1 2020 review

The A1 is back, and makes a statement with a new-but-still-distinctly-Audi look. What's more, it launches into the niche premium city car segment with a full range of three variants, each with a distinct personality.
We went to the launch to see if they hit the mark in their respective segments, what each one comes with, and whether drive drive experience lives up to the fun look.
Kicking off the range wearing an MSRP of $32,350 is the 30 TFSI. Now the cheapest Audi you can buy, it comes packed with an eco-conscious 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual-clutch auto, 16-inch alloys, an 8.8-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 10.25-inch digital dash (no A1 comes with analog dials), DAB+ digital radio, front and rear parking sensors, cloth seat trim, and a turn-key ignition.
This is great spec, especially for a premium car, and surprising for Audi’s most affordable model. Another way of looking at it, is that you can get a lot of the same spec from a mid-grade VW Polo ($24,990), but it doesn’t look near as good as the A1, and Audi says it expects this car to draw a lot of buyers out of non-premium options.
Importantly, it should be drawing buyers from the not-quite as well equipped entry-level Mini Cooper ($34,000).
Next rung in the A1 range is the mid-grade 35 TFSI ($35,290). Offering a balance of spec and price, on the face of it, the 35 only offers buyers a few extra tidbits for a little extra cash.
You get 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and push-start, ambient interior lighting, auto-dimming rear vision mirror, armrest centre console, and a wireless phone charging bay. On top of that, the 35 TFSI is able to be specified with a more comprehensive list of option packages.
The 40 TFSI is the top-grade A1, and takes a significant jump from the rest of the range in terms of price at $46,450. The 40 TFSI has a more powerful 2.0-litre engine, and increases the specification to include 18-inch alloy wheels, S-Line pack which significantly ups the visual ante, dual-zone climate control, adaptive suspension, heated and auto-folding rear vision mirrors, Audi’s fully-fledged 'Virtual Cockpit' digital dash, built-in sat-nav and internet connectivity, as well as wireless CarPlay via a larger 10.1-inch screen.
It’s true the 40 TFSI is expensive, easily beyond $50k once you add a few options, but it stands in place of the discontinued S1 hot hatch.
Watch our review for more on how it drives and feels, and remember to read the full review on CarsGuide.com.au
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.
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