Audi A1 1.4 TFSI S tronic (185 bhp) S line Review: Audi's wonder kid

The A1’s stylish looks and funky character continues inside. The dashboard is supposed to mimic an aircraft’s wing with the four circular air vents acting as the turbofan engine pods. Audi offers plenty of options and customization as well for the A1’s interior. Optional on the base model but standard on the 185 here is the retractable LCD screen on the dash is the display for the MMI Plus. The infotainment system can be specified with iPod connectivity as well as SD card readers, Bluetooth, voice activation, navigation and so on.

At the rear, passengers will have more room than in a Mini but access to the rear is not helped by front seatbacks that can’t lock when it is flipped forwards. The boot also offers a bigger load area than in the Mini while the rear seatbacks fold forward if needed. Those who want a more practical A1 will have to wait for the five-door Sportback version which should make an appearance sometime next year.

In terms of perceived luxury and high quality finishing, the A1 is unparalleled. There’s no other similarly sized car out there that offers a higher quality and sophisticated interior ambience than the A1 - every surface feels soft to the touch while the switchgear and controls all speak of tactile quality and class.

The Mini might still be the sharper car in the bends but those who want unparalleled refinement and premium quality with a slight compromise in the way it takes to the bends in a small car, the Audi A1 should be the number one choice and that’s even before considering that the 185bhp model is roughly $10k more affordable and somewhat prettier than the Mini Cooper S.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai