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2019 Audi A1 Reviews Talk About Cheap Plastics, Noisy Cabin

2019 Audi A1 Reviews Talk About Cheap Plastics, Noisy Cabin 1 photo
Photo: Audi
Audi's little pet project was quite popular. However, the car market has changed a lot since the original A1 supermini came out. Can this all-new 2019 model stand up to the crossover onslaught?
The embargo on the A1 supermini reviews has been lifted, and many of them point out the same kind of problems with the car. More specifically, the German supermini is criticized for using cheaper plastics, which is not unusual, but somewhat unacceptable in a car that starts from 21,150 euros.

Another noteworthy problem for the A1 is wind noise coming into the cabin at higher speed. Some have said the interior is tacky, but when Audi gets criticized for not being creative, we'll let the bright yellow accents slide.

The A1 is the first Audi in a long time not to be offered with a diesel engine. Three TFSI units will instead offer a blend of sportiness and efficiency. The base unit is a 116 HP 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbo, which is surprisingly refined and perky.

A bit later on, the A1 will also introduce a 1.5 TFSI with 150 HP and a hotter 2-liter making the same 200 HP as the Polo GTI. Twin-clutch autos will be available across the range.

In order to better compete with the MINI hatch, the new A1 adopts a standard 5-door body which Audi believes will be more popular. Based on the MQB platform, this supermini is lower, wider and longer. It doesn't disappoint dynamically, though it's noticeably firm.

The styling is a winner in our book. There are bold LED headlights flanking the hexagonal grille, which has an Ur Quattro tribute at the top. Various equipment lines and body kits will be offered, along with contrasting colors and bold wheels.

The back-seat passengers are the primary beneficiaries of the extra length, but they are still not as well treated as in other cars. Features like an armrest, USB ports, and air vents are missing back there, which is almost a deal breaker.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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