Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S tronic 185 bhp S line Review: New dimension

What we like:

Looks somewhat even more stylish than the three-door

more practical than the three-door

unparalleled refinement in a small car

superb build quality

zippy performance

What we dislike:

Can do with more interior space

not exactly affordable

The A1 Sportback’s funky and stylish character encompasses its interior styling as well. Up front, the Sportback’s driving environment is similar to the three-door’s. The dashboard features a clean and uncluttered design that is supposed to mimic an aircraft’s wing with the four circular air vents acting as the turbofan engine pods while the customizable inlays and panels around the air vents, centre console and doors further lift cabin ambience. Other interior customizable options include sporty looking and ultra supportive S line seats with integrated head restraints and contrasting colour schemes for the seat inserts.

At the rear, the A1 Sportback features a rear seat bench that accommodates three passengers instead of two like in the three-door model. Audi says that the Sportback’s slightly taller roof has resulted in a 11mm increase in rear headroom when compared to the three-door A1. Just like its Volkswagen Polo cousin and the three-door model, the Sportback is not especially roomy in the rear as outright interior room is somewhat limited by its compact exterior dimensions but there’s sufficient head and legroom for average sized adults to be comfortable on shorter journeys – only small families need apply.

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.

In terms of perceived luxury and high quality finishing, the A1 and A1 Sportback are unparalleled in the small car class. 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 A1 Sportback’s added practicality and versatility of two extra doors have not come at the expense of the three-door model’s unique style, refinement and character, which certainly makes the five-door model even more desirable than the three-door despite its slightly cramped rear.

Credits: Story and Photos by Joe Yeo