Audi A1 1.6 TDI S-line (2011) long-term test review
By the CAR road test team
Long Term Tests
Is the VW Polo a match for our A1?
If you’ve seen the April 2012 issue of CAR magazine, you’ll know that I recently tested the VW Polo 1.4 Match back to back against our A1 1.6 TDI S-line long-term test car. It's an intriguing test of whether you should splash the cash on a premium badge or not.
How did the two superminis match up against each other? Let’s start with design. The Polo doesn’t have much flair, just a wholesome solidity typical of VW, whereas the A1 carries off a more unique style, outside at least. Inside it encapsulates the usual Audi cabin style - there's more silver splashed here and there, where the Polo keeps the sober Germanic black matt styling. Not very exciting.
It’s quite a shock to switch from one to the other. The Polo and A1 drive completely differently. Ok, our Polo was a 1.4 petrol to our A1's laidback diesel, but the A1 to me feels sturdy, solid, with firmer controls and weightier steering. The Polo Match serves up a softer ride, a bit more wobble through corners, and lighter controls and steering response. Considering they are essentially the same underneath, I was surprised by their different characteristics.
The cost difference between these two is astonishing, too. Our Audi A1 in toppy S-line trim is a whopping £6175 more than the Polo! Here is how our cars were specced:
Audi A1 1.6 TDI S Line
• Ice Silver paint - £510
• 18in seven-spoke alloys - £410
• Tech package – sat-nav, HDD based music interface - £1375
• Light and rain sensors - £125
• Electronic climate control - £330
• Audi sound system - £225
Extras: £2975
Total: £ 20,840
VW Polo 1.4 Match
• Touchscreen navigation/radio system 5in colour screen, music interface - £840
• Mats front and rear - £75
• Leather trimmed steering wheel - £185
• Alarm with interior protection - £200
Extras: £1300
Total: £14,665
So which one to have? Well the Polo has the extra two doors to our Audi's three, but Audi has now solved that problem with the Sportback. The A1 is more stylish but there is more overall space in the Polo. I think for me it would have to come down to cost. If you can afford the A1 and lust for its style and badge, go for it. But the vastly cheaper Polo frankly offers much of the same for way less cash. It makes you think...
By Sarah-Jayne Harrison
Long Term Tests
Is the VW Polo a match for our A1?
If you’ve seen the April 2012 issue of CAR magazine, you’ll know that I recently tested the VW Polo 1.4 Match back to back against our A1 1.6 TDI S-line long-term test car. It's an intriguing test of whether you should splash the cash on a premium badge or not.
How did the two superminis match up against each other? Let’s start with design. The Polo doesn’t have much flair, just a wholesome solidity typical of VW, whereas the A1 carries off a more unique style, outside at least. Inside it encapsulates the usual Audi cabin style - there's more silver splashed here and there, where the Polo keeps the sober Germanic black matt styling. Not very exciting.It’s quite a shock to switch from one to the other. The Polo and A1 drive completely differently. Ok, our Polo was a 1.4 petrol to our A1's laidback diesel, but the A1 to me feels sturdy, solid, with firmer controls and weightier steering. The Polo Match serves up a softer ride, a bit more wobble through corners, and lighter controls and steering response. Considering they are essentially the same underneath, I was surprised by their different characteristics.
The cost difference between these two is astonishing, too. Our Audi A1 in toppy S-line trim is a whopping £6175 more than the Polo! Here is how our cars were specced:
Audi A1 1.6 TDI S Line
• Ice Silver paint - £510
• 18in seven-spoke alloys - £410
• Tech package – sat-nav, HDD based music interface - £1375
• Light and rain sensors - £125
• Electronic climate control - £330
• Audi sound system - £225
Extras: £2975
Total: £ 20,840
VW Polo 1.4 Match
• Touchscreen navigation/radio system 5in colour screen, music interface - £840
• Mats front and rear - £75
• Leather trimmed steering wheel - £185
• Alarm with interior protection - £200
Extras: £1300
Total: £14,665
So which one to have? Well the Polo has the extra two doors to our Audi's three, but Audi has now solved that problem with the Sportback. The A1 is more stylish but there is more overall space in the Polo. I think for me it would have to come down to cost. If you can afford the A1 and lust for its style and badge, go for it. But the vastly cheaper Polo frankly offers much of the same for way less cash. It makes you think...
By Sarah-Jayne Harrison
Categories:
Audi A1 1.6 TDI S-line,
Reviews
0 comments:
Post a Comment