Audi RS3 Review Australia | Features, Specification, Price

• Car Reviews,
• Jul 11, 2020

Tired of the big SUVs and sedans that have become such a common sight here, or you just think that they are too large for your everyday work around town? Well, you are not the only one! There are others who are looking to buy and get their hands on a small car, but one that should be complete with a posh badge and all the latest options and technology.

 

The options for such a car may be limited and once you start looking, there will not be many vehicles that you will find. The Audi A1 is one of those few cars which fall under the mini category and comes equipped with most of the features that you are looking for.

 

The Mini hatchback by the German car manufacturing company BMW is another similar car, and you can argue that the Volkswagen Polo is another choice. Other than that, there are not many options available and you would need to go for bigger vehicles. We try to dissect if the A1 is a worthy choice as compared to the rival cars and which version is best suited for you. Read on to find out!

 

The Audi A1 is available in multiple engine variants, all of which are petrol and come in five-door hatchback, which earns it the name of Audi A1 Sportback. It offers a raised ride height and a superior exterior body, not unlike an SUV. However, this series does not come with Audi’s ingenious Quattro four-wheel drive which is a bit let down.

 

Audi claims to have applied the styling of a medium luxury class to a small hatchback, and that is not far from the truth. The Audi A1 hatchback uses a front-wheel drive and is labeled as a light car with an excellent fuel economy.

 

Initially, the Audi A1 was launched in a three-door hatchback style, but it was soon after that the company decided to introduce the more practical five-door Audi A1 Sportback, continuing the supermini legacy. The different trim levels which are available are the SE, Sport, S line, and the ultimate S1 Sportback. We discuss the trim levels in detail in the next section.

 

The Audi A1 line-up:

The Audi A1 Sportback comes in multiple trim levels and various engine variants and we describe them briefly so that you can decide which one suits you best. Among the six trim levels, the base one is the SE, followed by Sport, S Line, S Line competition, S line Contrast, and the S Line Style Edition. As you go along the trim levels, you will find that the cars become better and better with greater engine performance and features.

 

Audi A1 Features:

Audi is known to add some top of the line features in their vehicles, using some of the latest technology and gadgets known to man. The new Audi A1 2020 is no different. Even though the Quattro four-wheel drive is absent in this car, there are plenty of other features that make up to it.

 

The car features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster which provides an excellent view of the speedometer, fuel gauge, and more. A six-speaker sound system is also included with great sound quality that reverberates throughout the cabin. The multimedia and infotainment system consists of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, along with FM, Bluetooth, and USB options.

 

The air-conditioning is great even in Australia’s harsh summer conditions and you get cruise control with an active speed limiter. Automatic headlights that turn on when it gets dark and automatic windscreen wipers automate much and more. A leather strapped steering wheel makes the already good handling even better.

 

You might have heard of heated seats but Audi A1 brings you power-folding and heated door mirrors. Interesting, right? What is more, a puncture repair kit is also included in the standard package so that you don’t have to face any inconvenience due to a flat wheel in a desolate place. The aluminum alloy wheels are not your regular steel wheels; they are made of a far better quality and even look pricier. 

 

When it comes to safety, the Audi A1 comes equipped with rear parking sensors which tell you exactly the distance between your rear bumper and any obstacle in the way. A rear-view camera also makes it easier when you are reversing. Additional features include autonomous emergency braking and a remarkably interesting feature which senses if you are fatigued and warns you about that. Another must-have a feature that we believe that every car should be equipped with is Electronic stability control, which helps in controlling the car in case it skids in rain or snow.

 

You also get six airbags, which cover the driver and passengers from all sides in case of an accident. These safety features are the reason that the Audi A1 2019 has earned five stars from NCAP, which is the highest rating a car can get from them.

 

Audi A1 Engine Specifications:

Starting from the base model, the Audi A1 20 TFSI utilizes a 1.0-liter petrol engine and is the most fuel-efficient of all the variants. This is a three-cylinder, turbocharged engine which is more than enough power for driving in the city or on the highway, even for climbing hills.

 

Next in line is the 35 TFSI with more power than the base variant, due to the four-cylinder 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine. It offers a more rapid overtaking than the 20 TFSI, and a sportier feel due to which you might prefer this one.

 

The 40 TFSI is the ultimate power machine that takes performance to a whole new level using the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. All the engine variants have an automatic stop-start system which further increases the fuel efficiency smartly.

 

The 20 TFSI and the 35 TFSI use a similar dual-clutch automatic transmission, whereas the 40 TFSI has a more ingenious six-speed dual-clutch transmission, also automatic with an added feature to shift gears from the steering wheel.

 

Our Verdict:

The Audi A1 Sportback is, without doubt, a great choice in the supermini category, and one can argue that it is more so than the vehicles produced by MINI itself. It does have its drawbacks, but then, no one is perfect. The absence of a spare wheel does not sit well with some, but that is why they included the wheel repair kit. The hard cabin plastic that is used on the door also does not suit the overall lavish interior.