New Audi A1 specifications
Audi has released two new specifications for its popular A1 supermini model, a recent winner of the prestigious What Car? 'Car of the year' award.
These new specifications are the 'Black Edition' and the 'Contrast Edition', each offering specific styling differences.
With these new special editions the A1 gains a little extra credibility in the style department and will go up against other rival premium editions such as the Citroen DS3 and the Mini Cooper. All of which are very popular superminis with many different optional trim levels.
So what are the new Audi A1 specifications?
The Black Edition offers new styling features such as a black single frame grille surround and number plate holder, dark tinted privacy glass and 18-inch five-arm rotor design alloy wheels in a titanium finish. Basically it's all black, exactly what it says on the tin.
The Black Edition plays upon the style of the Sport model A1. The Contrast Edition on the other hand builds on the style of the S line model.
The Contrast Edition offers a colour contrasting roofline, new body style, larger 17-inch 'five arm' bi-colour alloy wheels and double-blade roof spoiler, this edition literally 'contrasts' colour with its uniquely coloured roofline.
Both of these new editions are also available with a new 2.0-litre TDI engine. This engine delivers a top speed of 135mph and maximum torque of 320Nm.
How will it compete?
The Audi is a superb addition to the upper end of the supermini market and reflects the growing popularity of upmarket, premium-feeling and stylish small cars such as the Citroen DS3 and Mini Cooper. But that's not to say the other elements like practicality of the A1 are lacking.
The A1 brings one of the most desirable badges to the small car market and will go up against touch competition in the form of the iconic Mini badge, for so long the unchallenged king of the premium small car market.
While Citroen is not necessarily a premium brand, the DS Line is certainly good enough to compete with its more illustrious rivals thanks to a styling makeover and a huge amount of cosmetic option.
When it comes to things like boot space the A1 has 270 litres, which when compared with the Mini Cooper's tiny boot is massive. The DS3 is better competition with 285 litres, which is only slightly bigger than the A1.
Surprisingly, the Audi A1, despite coming from the premium German manufacturer, is actually the cheapest small car of the three.
The A1's starting price of £13,500 seems nice and cheap compared with the Mini's £14,840 and the DS3's expensive price of around £17/18 k.
Which one should I buy?
Like many other model decisions it may come down to what you want the car for and its price. The A1 looks good, has lots of practical space and is cheaper than the others so you can't really go wrong.
However, while it feels just like a larger Audi A1 inside, it does not come with the fun factor of both the Citroen DS3 (especially in higher trim levels) and the Mini Cooper in terms of its drive.
That is not to say the Audi A1 is not a superb car and worthy of its title as Car of the Year. If you're looking for a small, premium car, the Audi A1 is certainly the one to beat.