Audi A1 1.4 TFSI [122bhp] (A) vs MINI Cooper 2014 1.5 (A)
16 Jun 2014|23,949 views
The market for superminis is one of the most competitive. Finding the right one (or the most value-for-money) is harder these days, as the new models in this class are getting better equipped, allowing drivers to get big car features in a smaller package.
Going up against the MINI Cooper, the Audi A1 created a lot of buzz when it first appeared some three years ago in Singapore. Audi even boldly dubbed the car with the tagline 'The Next Big Thing'.
On the other hand, the iconic MINI recently returned in its third incarnation. Not only is the new MINI bigger than before, it also boasts a range of all new turbocharged engines, plus some seriously high-tech big car kit from parent company BMW.
With all that's going on, the biggest question remains - which of these two superminis is the right one to go for?
Exterior
On the outside, the car with four rings comes across as more matured and elegant.
This is contributed by the distinctive Audi front fascia, the sleek roofline and the very cleverly designed rear that carries traits of Audi's 'Q' models, allowing the A1 to look bigger than what it actually is.
 |
The A1's look is very pleasing to the eye and should we say, the people at Vorsprung durch Technik have successfully combined the refinement and luxury of its bigger models into one compact package.
On the other side of the ring, the MINI's retro-chic design is as exciting today as it was back when the original new MINI hit the streets.
 |  |
With its eccentric, sporty look, the MINI looks very much livelier and will find it easy to attract eyeballs, perhaps from the younger generation.
The new MINI measures 3,821mm x 1,727mm x 1,414mm (L x W x H), making it not as mini as its predecessor of the 80s but still 133mm shorter in length, 13mm narrower and 2mm shorter in height as compared to its rival in this comparison.
 |
Interior
The interior is one area where the A1 excels. It has a simple and straightforward layout, which makes it easy on the eyes. But what's more appealing is that all the controls and materials used feel premium to the touch. You get the sense that Audi's engineers and designers have put in a lot of effort to ensure high levels of satisfaction in here.
One particular feature that drew our attention was the 'jet turbine' vents, the improvised version also seen recently in the A3 Sportback and Sedan, making the air-con very much 'cooler'.
Headroom and legroom for rear passengers are relatively decent for average-sized people. More importantly, the A1 boasts a large boot space of 270 litres for a car of its size.
On the other hand, the MINI has a funky-looking console but a myriad of controls that gets a little confusing at times. They may be fun to look at but they aren't really ergonomically correct and this results in a 'love it or hate it' feel.
 |  |
The key ergonomic advantage then, is the position of the speedometer. It is now located just aft of the steering wheel, like most cars naturally, and this makes it easier for the driver to keep track of the little pocket rocket's speed.
Despite the MINI's smaller dimensions, occupants are still able to sit comfortably enough for short journeys. That said, the new MINI's cargo space has expanded by 51 litres over its predecessor to a decent 211 litres, adequate for a party trip to our neighbour's capital.
 |
The Drive
Powering the A1 is a 1.4-litre TFSI engine mated to a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox. This transmission provides creamy smooth gear shifts and the combination ensures a very refined power delivery, albeit with a little turbo lag.
Nonetheless, put pedal to the metal and the A1 finishes the century sprint in 8.9 seconds. Engage in a few bends and the A1 turns in beautifully, with a well-weighted steering that has decent feedback, and stability you wouldn't expect from a small car.
 |  |
Suspension is firm but compliant enough that there's no thump through the cabin when you hit a bump, setting a fine balance between extracting maximum grip without upsetting the ride.
In comparison, the new MINI has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit under its hood. Thanks to this lively engine, the MINI is the perkier one on the go.
Paired with a slick shifting six-speed automatic transmission, the MINI takes 1.1 seconds lesser than the Audi A1 to reach 100km/h from a standstill.
The throttle response in the MINI is also sharper with lesser turbo lag detected, making zipping in and out of traffic an easy feat.
Together with a better sounding engine note that carries a tinge of retroactivity, the MINI ups the stake in the drive department.
But while the A1 provided a pliant ride, the same can't be said of the MINI, which comes across as a little too firm. Still, the MINI has a good dose of front-end grip and offers handling like a go-kart, making the time spent with it awesomely fun.
Conclusion
The Audi A1 doesn't excite on the road quite as much as the MINI, but it is still satisfyingly engaging to drive. Moreover, it charms with its classy looks and an astoundingly well-built interior.
On the other hand, the MINI shines in its performance and is more fun to drive but its harsh ride limits day-to-day comfort, while its interior space and cabin quality is eclipsed by the Audi. However, the car is the cheaper one at $145,300 (as of 6th June 2014).
Picking a winner between these two cars here wasn't an easy task - both excel in what they do and offer different driving experiences.
Despite being pricier (last offered price about $5,000 cheaper than the Sportback version, which costs $157,700 as of 5th June 2014) and out of stock at the moment, the A1 is a better all-rounder, and in this instance, it narrowly wins this contest.
The market for superminis is one of the most competitive. Finding the right one (or the most value-for-money) is harder these days, as the new models in this class are getting better equipped, allowing drivers to get big car features in a smaller package.
Going up against the MINI Cooper, the Audi A1 created a lot of buzz when it first appeared some three years ago in Singapore. Audi even boldly dubbed the car with the tagline 'The Next Big Thing'.
On the other hand, the iconic MINI recently returned in its third incarnation. Not only is the new MINI bigger than before, it also boasts a range of all new turbocharged engines, plus some seriously high-tech big car kit from parent company BMW.
With all that's going on, the biggest question remains - which of these two superminis is the right one to go for?
Exterior
On the outside, the car with four rings comes across as more matured and elegant.
This is contributed by the distinctive Audi front fascia, the sleek roofline and the very cleverly designed rear that carries traits of Audi's 'Q' models, allowing the A1 to look bigger than what it actually is.
The A1's look is very pleasing to the eye and should we say, the people at Vorsprung durch Technik have successfully combined the refinement and luxury of its bigger models into one compact package.
On the other side of the ring, the MINI's retro-chic design is as exciting today as it was back when the original new MINI hit the streets.
With its eccentric, sporty look, the MINI looks very much livelier and will find it easy to attract eyeballs, perhaps from the younger generation.
The new MINI measures 3,821mm x 1,727mm x 1,414mm (L x W x H), making it not as mini as its predecessor of the 80s but still 133mm shorter in length, 13mm narrower and 2mm shorter in height as compared to its rival in this comparison.
Interior
The interior is one area where the A1 excels. It has a simple and straightforward layout, which makes it easy on the eyes. But what's more appealing is that all the controls and materials used feel premium to the touch. You get the sense that Audi's engineers and designers have put in a lot of effort to ensure high levels of satisfaction in here.
One particular feature that drew our attention was the 'jet turbine' vents, the improvised version also seen recently in the A3 Sportback and Sedan, making the air-con very much 'cooler'.
Headroom and legroom for rear passengers are relatively decent for average-sized people. More importantly, the A1 boasts a large boot space of 270 litres for a car of its size.
The interior is one area where the A1 excels. It has a simple and straightforward layout, which makes it easy on the eyes. But what's more appealing is that all the controls and materials used feel premium to the touch. You get the sense that Audi's engineers and designers have put in a lot of effort to ensure high levels of satisfaction in here.
One particular feature that drew our attention was the 'jet turbine' vents, the improvised version also seen recently in the A3 Sportback and Sedan, making the air-con very much 'cooler'.
Headroom and legroom for rear passengers are relatively decent for average-sized people. More importantly, the A1 boasts a large boot space of 270 litres for a car of its size.
On the other hand, the MINI has a funky-looking console but a myriad of controls that gets a little confusing at times. They may be fun to look at but they aren't really ergonomically correct and this results in a 'love it or hate it' feel.
The key ergonomic advantage then, is the position of the speedometer. It is now located just aft of the steering wheel, like most cars naturally, and this makes it easier for the driver to keep track of the little pocket rocket's speed.
Despite the MINI's smaller dimensions, occupants are still able to sit comfortably enough for short journeys. That said, the new MINI's cargo space has expanded by 51 litres over its predecessor to a decent 211 litres, adequate for a party trip to our neighbour's capital.
The Drive
Powering the A1 is a 1.4-litre TFSI engine mated to a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox. This transmission provides creamy smooth gear shifts and the combination ensures a very refined power delivery, albeit with a little turbo lag.
Nonetheless, put pedal to the metal and the A1 finishes the century sprint in 8.9 seconds. Engage in a few bends and the A1 turns in beautifully, with a well-weighted steering that has decent feedback, and stability you wouldn't expect from a small car.
Suspension is firm but compliant enough that there's no thump through the cabin when you hit a bump, setting a fine balance between extracting maximum grip without upsetting the ride.
In comparison, the new MINI has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit under its hood. Thanks to this lively engine, the MINI is the perkier one on the go.
Paired with a slick shifting six-speed automatic transmission, the MINI takes 1.1 seconds lesser than the Audi A1 to reach 100km/h from a standstill.
The throttle response in the MINI is also sharper with lesser turbo lag detected, making zipping in and out of traffic an easy feat.
Together with a better sounding engine note that carries a tinge of retroactivity, the MINI ups the stake in the drive department.
Powering the A1 is a 1.4-litre TFSI engine mated to a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox. This transmission provides creamy smooth gear shifts and the combination ensures a very refined power delivery, albeit with a little turbo lag.
Nonetheless, put pedal to the metal and the A1 finishes the century sprint in 8.9 seconds. Engage in a few bends and the A1 turns in beautifully, with a well-weighted steering that has decent feedback, and stability you wouldn't expect from a small car.
Suspension is firm but compliant enough that there's no thump through the cabin when you hit a bump, setting a fine balance between extracting maximum grip without upsetting the ride.
In comparison, the new MINI has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit under its hood. Thanks to this lively engine, the MINI is the perkier one on the go.
Paired with a slick shifting six-speed automatic transmission, the MINI takes 1.1 seconds lesser than the Audi A1 to reach 100km/h from a standstill.
The throttle response in the MINI is also sharper with lesser turbo lag detected, making zipping in and out of traffic an easy feat.
Together with a better sounding engine note that carries a tinge of retroactivity, the MINI ups the stake in the drive department.
But while the A1 provided a pliant ride, the same can't be said of the MINI, which comes across as a little too firm. Still, the MINI has a good dose of front-end grip and offers handling like a go-kart, making the time spent with it awesomely fun.
Conclusion
The Audi A1 doesn't excite on the road quite as much as the MINI, but it is still satisfyingly engaging to drive. Moreover, it charms with its classy looks and an astoundingly well-built interior.
On the other hand, the MINI shines in its performance and is more fun to drive but its harsh ride limits day-to-day comfort, while its interior space and cabin quality is eclipsed by the Audi. However, the car is the cheaper one at $145,300 (as of 6th June 2014).
Picking a winner between these two cars here wasn't an easy task - both excel in what they do and offer different driving experiences.
Despite being pricier (last offered price about $5,000 cheaper than the Sportback version, which costs $157,700 as of 5th June 2014) and out of stock at the moment, the A1 is a better all-rounder, and in this instance, it narrowly wins this contest.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Audi A1 1.4 TFSI [122bhp] (A)
CAT A|Petrol|18.8km/L
Horsepower
91kW (122 bhp)
Torque
200 Nm
Acceleration
8.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Audi A1MINI Cooper 1.5 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|20.4km/L
Horsepower
100kW (134 bhp)
Torque
220 Nm
Acceleration
7.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used MINI Cooper
Thank You For Your Subscription.
