Audi A1 40TFSI Sportback (2020) Long Term Review - Simply Brilliant!

Bigger and more distinctive than that of its predecessor, I was given the opportunity to spend the festive season behind the wheel of Audi’s latest A1. With its emotive styling, high-end technology and a lot of shove under the bonnet, I think that I might have just found a new favourite within this motoring segment!
What’s New?
Well, pretty much everything is new here. From the outside, Audi’s latest family lines are immediately evident. Sharp angles, purposeful creases and lines and a very distinctive image all help make-up the new A1.
The front fascia resembles an enlarged grille design, while from its side and rear profile, its immediate to see that the new A1 requires you to take it more seriously, while still retaining its fun-filled and loveable image.
Over on the inside, the cabin is refreshed and in-line with the Ingolstadt based firm’s latest designs. The cabin is driver-orientated and now features the likes of Virtual Cockpit, Audi’s digital instrumentation cluster, there are other impressive toys, features and options that would only previously have been seen reserved on bigger more expensive models, such as Bang & Olufsen sound, Mood lighting, a large 8-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice integration but to name a few of the features.
Out & About
The A1 is available currently in SA with either a 30 TFSI (1.0-litre motor), a 35TFSI (1.5-litre motor) or as I drive the very spicy 40TFSI which features the Volkswagen Audi group 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor with a very impressive 147 kW and 320 Nm of torque and seen in the Volkswagen Polo GTI.
With its planted ride, the A1 40TFSI that I spent time with was fitted with 18-inch Sportline wheels in their two-tone guise, as well as gunmetal coloured mirror housings. All in contrast with the Mythos Black paint scheme, the vehicle looked as impressive and imposing as it was to drive.
To Conclude
The looks of the new A1 alone make it a winner, then you couple this with Audi’s latest interior space, the brand’s typical attention to detail and build solidity which puts it into a league of its own and a motor derived from the Polo GTI and you are put simply “left with a winner!”
I have found my favourite car within this motoring segment, and spending several weeks behind the wheel, many journeys, many kilometres and many awesome experiences have just concreted its appeal.
SA Pricing (Base)
30 TFSI R359 900
30 TFSI Advanced Line R373 900
30 TFSI S Line R388 900
35 TFSI R429 900
35 TFSI Advanced Line R443 900
35 TFSI S Line R458 900
40 TFSI S Line R488 000 (vehicle, as tested, had several options fitted**)
Ending:
Read our full-written review at:
technobok.co.za/audi-a1-40tfsi...
Find us on social media by further using the below links:
Twitter: @TechnoBokMedia
Instagram: @JasonCapeTown
Also, check out our recent competitor reviews including:
The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class:
• Mercedes Benz A200 (20...
The latest-generation Mini Cooper S:
• Mini Cooper S 3 & 5 Do...
And, the Volkswagen Golf R
• Volkswagen Golf R (201...
Be sure to subscribe to TechnoBok for weekly vehicle reviews at:
/ technobokunboxing
Embedded Video/Logo Components: All embedded video/logo/audio components remain the property of their rightful and respective owners - all rights reserved - Audi Global
♫Music By♫
Credits:
Ross Bugden - Music
Emotional and Dramatic Music - Reverie (Copyright and Royalty Free)
Aberration by Nihilore / nihilore Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_aberration Music promoted by Audio Library • Aberration - Nihilore ...

[@wendysolomon4178]

Thanks for the great review. Wow, this new A1 is incredible. Definitely going to take one for a test drive.

[@TechnoBokUnboxings]

Thanks, I can promise you won't be disappointed. The new A1 is simply awesome!

[@Natak222]

really good review, specifically for performance/fun related info so thanks for that. I also appreciate the extra info in the description. just a little constructive criticism though - limit your intro to a few seconds tops and only use 1 - 2 transition styles. I presume you're editing these videos yourself?

[@TechnoBokUnboxings]

Thanks so much for your reply and useful advice. Yes, I do edit these myself and always look to refine and improve the content where possible and it useful and constructive criticism like yours that I really appreciate. Kind regards Jason

[@StrandManna]

Great review Jason! We must grab a coffee sometime.

[@TechnoBokUnboxings]

Thanks, Juliet, we definitely must do.

[@LeeSeptember]

Thanks for the review, looks pretty cool. Can't seem to find any model I can customize with a panoramic sunroof?

[@StrandManna]

Hi Lee, unfortunately a sunroof option is not available for the new Audi A1 Sportback. The curve of the roof makes it not possible.

[@Kyle-nj6ci]

Hi mate, just about to order this. However on the configurator it doesn't allow me to add the ambient lighting add on however I see that you have it? And theres only one 40 TFSI so how have you managed to get this option on the 40? Thanks

[@TechnoBokUnboxings]

Hi there, thanks for your comment. I received the vehicle for media review from Audi South Africa. Best thing I can suggest is to kindly speak to your nearest dealer when looking to option/spec the car. Mood lighting is certainly an available option here in South Africa and I would imagine globally too. Enjoy your upcoming Audi A1. Best regards Jason

[@Kyle-nj6ci]

@@TechnoBokUnboxings Hi Jason, Car is ordered but no light pack available. However one question, does the car have legitimate pops and crackles? I didn't hear any in your video but would love to know if it has these coming from that beast of an engine

[@JoshWaller]

@@Kyle-nj6ci Did it have pops in the end? I’ve just ordered mine it’s coming in the next few days. Also any tips or things you like about it would be appreciated :)

[@Kyle-nj6ci]

@@JoshWaller hey mate, I actually took a little bit of a detour and cancelled my order during the pandemic as from factory it was taking months and months and months so I actually ended up with a 5 litre V8 Mustang, I can't answer your question sorry but I had the standard facelift new A1 25 all specced out black roof etc before ordering the 2 litre edition and it was such an amazing car. You'll love it. Interior was far better than my mustang. And what I've learnt from owning the mustang is you can get any work done on it you like mate at literally any car performance specialist. I got a custom exhaust put on my mustang to have it sound just how I like. Call some up and ask. Enjoy it!

[@JoshWaller]

@@Kyle-nj6ci Thank you! That’s so helpful! I was looking at the 25 but they didn’t have any in stock with the colour I wanted, so I opted for the 30. But wow, a mustang is incredible. I’ve been in a few (and a Shelby) and they’re pieces of art. Hope you’re enjoying your car mate! Thank you

[@nobody8519]

I have the same but netter Interior and Ex, from Audi Leasing at NSU

[@TechnoBokUnboxings]

Nice automobile, enjoy the drive

[@mosquiton001]

Tempted to get one, (I owned a golf 6 that I loved in the last 8 years) still some people say that this little car is unconfortable on bumpy roads and especially for the road noise in highway trips, can someone confirm this? I went at the dealership to test drive it but here they make you test cars only 2 or 3 kms in high traffic roads, I have no way to see if this can be confortable for long trips... If someone can tell me this It would be really helpful... thanks!!!

[@TheKwaze]

I am similar to yourself in that I would like a comfortable car on the motorway and the TSFI 40 has adaptive suspension that the others in the range don't have, which should help, but I have not tried one yet, mainly due to the COVID thing as I don't go anywhere!

[@mosquiton001]

@@TheKwaze Bad news as the 4.0 TFSI is now going out of production (in my country it is not aviabile anymore for the a1 a3 and q2), the sellers told me that MAYBE the next year will be aviabile again but they are not sure, so the "top spec" now is the 35 tfsi... problem is that the 1.5 liter is mated to a DRY clutch transmission wich is not the best as far as long term reliability. (the 2.0 had a wet clutch wich is more reliable and strong in every possible way)

[@TheKwaze]

@@mosquiton001 That's interesting, but not surprising as most tend to favour the 35. Best try out a 40 A.S.A.P!

[@BascarooMuffins]

I own a 40TFSI. As for bumpy roads, it’s not too bad, much better than an S3 for example, but then again it’s a compact car so you’ll feel it more than in a sedan. As for highway trips, road noise isn’t really an issue, I don’t really notice it.

[@TheKwaze]

@@BascarooMuffins That's useful thanks. Does the adaptive suspension make much difference? I have had an A3 Sport previously and the hard suspension used to cause stomach ache on a long journey from the constant vibrations! Other than that I liked it so I am hoping they have improved.

[@lucarinke]

1:33 thats the 10,1 inch touchscreen... not 8,8!

[@odiseven]

The video is so cinematic it made me laugh, you are defiinetly a video nerd.

[@TechnoBokUnboxings]

Lol, thanks :)

[@JackKing12.]

Probably will downsize from A3 to the A1 end of this year...

[@TechnoBokUnboxings]

You'll love the new A1.

[@robinheiz]

That’s what I also thought... but then I saw the car in person.. design is very nice, BUT the door panels are so cheap!! It’s literally the same as in the Seat Ibiza and the VW Polo.

[@JackKing12.]

@@robinheiz I'll go to my local Audi centre to check the A1 out when they open...

[@satoshinakamoto3342]

The 40tfsi should have had manual transmission