Feb
No matter what your personal finances, there’s been a certain pressure of late to look at things a little more sensibly. One area where this has been more evident than perhaps others is with the car.
If we’re not to abandon the car completely and jump aboard public transport then there’s definitely been a growing expectation for us to be more considerate in our choice of motor-with tax rises and increases in fuel costs hitting larger car owners particularly hard. I myself have, after a renewal notice for car tax, said goodbye to my thirsty 4×4 and become enchanted by the city run-around that replaced it. Fuel bills have been halved, annual road tax costs are less than a decent lunch for two and there’s always a parking space for my mini motor.
If the idea of a more frugal driving experience appeals (but you can’t live without life’s little luxuries), then Audi have the answer in the shape of the Audi A1. The attractive new A1 is a city car that’s not compromised by its size and offers drivers the ownership experience and quality of its bigger and more expensive rivals.
One thing you should have in mind about the A1 is it’s most defiantly not a Mini. It’s much less “Look At Me” than the little BMW and is decidedly anti retro and less gimmicky than other cars within this sector. The solid, chunky styling oozes quality and strength, a feature that is very much matched inside with excellent fixtures and fittings- even the most basic model. All models feature a flip up LCD display for example and when combined with heavy feeling metallic switchgear the sensation is decidedly upmarket. What’s more there’s an extensive options list to tailor each car to your exacting standards. Sick of CDs cluttering up the glove box? No problem, opt for the built in 20Gb music storage; fancy matching the air vent details to the outside paint? Now you can. Why not add a panoramic glass sunroof while you’re at it? There is no doubt that this is the best quality small car available and it’s also one of the roomiest, there’s plenty of leg room for rear passengers and although the Audi A1 has no rear doors, the comfortable seats are easily accessible. A 265 litre boot and flat folding load bay add to the practicalities.
There’s good news engine wise, with three frugal turbo engines all engineered with a long top gear keeping the revs down and the economy figures up. The 1.6 turbo diesel engine has emissions of just 105 g/ km, the 1.2 turbo petrol just 118g/km and 1.4 turbo petrol engine pumps out a respectable 124 g/km meaning annual road tax of just £20, £30 and £90 respectively. All this economy does not compromise performance with all three models, even the little 1.2 , proving sprightly, although the diesel makes the best motorway cruiser in my view. All three are remarkably composed on the road and offer a much more refined driving experience than the Mini for example, although the ride is equally as firm. Beware though, some options such as the 17” alloy wheels may look fantastic but actually do little in terms of smoothing out the lumps and bumps in the road.
So, stylish, refined, well built and easily tailored to your personal taste and requirements whilst still being super economical. Saving money has never been so chic!
The new Audi A1 starts at just £13,145 and is available from Leicester Audi, Blackbird Road, Leicester. LE4 0AH. Tel: 0116 242 1300
Click Images to enlarge
