As of 14th September 2015, the car you see here will set you back at $122,000 (after a CEVS rebate of $15,000). In other words, despite high prices of automobiles in Singapore, you don't exactly have to dry up your bank account if it's a premium supermini you're looking for.
Of course, you could also consider the 1.2-litre MINI One 5-Door, which costs just a couple of thousands more than the Audi A1 Sportback or the 1.0-litre Ford Fiesta that proves that - like chilli padi - cars do not need to be big in order to be spicy.
However, like a quality Swiss-made watch that sets expectations or a pair of custom-made Oxford leather shoes that sets the tone of your taste, the four-ringed marque remains to be more desirable than the other two said cars.
Up close and Personal
While styling changes aren't as significant as the engine, necessary tweaks on the grille, headlamps and taillights were made to the A1 Sportback to enhance its looks. As such, the supermini hasn't lost the sense of style that has been associated with it since the predecessor was launched in Singapore back in 2012.
Like wearing a nicely-crafted Swiss watch, being in the A1 Sportback has some boasting rights. Unlike most facelifts where improvements are made to current features, the car here sports a spanking new electro-mechanical power steering system where it reduces power assist as the car's speed increases, so as to save energy.
Of course, you could also consider the 1.2-litre MINI One 5-Door, which costs just a couple of thousands more than the Audi A1 Sportback or the 1.0-litre Ford Fiesta that proves that - like chilli padi - cars do not need to be big in order to be spicy.
However, like a quality Swiss-made watch that sets expectations or a pair of custom-made Oxford leather shoes that sets the tone of your taste, the four-ringed marque remains to be more desirable than the other two said cars.
Up close and Personal
While styling changes aren't as significant as the engine, necessary tweaks on the grille, headlamps and taillights were made to the A1 Sportback to enhance its looks. As such, the supermini hasn't lost the sense of style that has been associated with it since the predecessor was launched in Singapore back in 2012.
Like wearing a nicely-crafted Swiss watch, being in the A1 Sportback has some boasting rights. Unlike most facelifts where improvements are made to current features, the car here sports a spanking new electro-mechanical power steering system where it reduces power assist as the car's speed increases, so as to save energy.
Like all Audi cars we've come to know, the cabin is a work of art, with an immaculate attention to details and a cosy ambience to lift even the most stressful of moods. Build quality is second to none in its class and it feels every bit a proper luxurious car even if it lacks certain 'premium' features such as electronic park brake button (it's a proper handbrake in this car) and leather upholstery (the car comes with factory fitted fabric upholstery, which we actually prefer).
Space wise, the baby Audi remains to be generous for two in front but like before, the seating angle at the rear continues to be a tad upright. Still, head and legroom is adequate for four passengers and their barang barang in the 270-litre deep boot space.
Space wise, the baby Audi remains to be generous for two in front but like before, the seating angle at the rear continues to be a tad upright. Still, head and legroom is adequate for four passengers and their barang barang in the 270-litre deep boot space.
The Drive
Powering the supermini is a delightful 1.0-litre three-pot powerplant that has more than sufficient strength to pull the car of close to 1.1 tonnes across the 100km/h mark in a respectable 10.9 seconds.
Helping drivers feel that the car is going much faster than the stated figure is the mighty low and mid-range from the 160Nm of torque and the car's inclination to outdo itself with its humble 95bhp. This, together with its compact dimensions, makes for easy overtaking manoeuvres or darting in and out of traffic for the fun of it.
That's not to say the A1 Sportback is all pace without grace. Mated to a creamy seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the car is in its element when you're potting around town or cruising at legal speeds on the expressway. Thanks to its 15-inch wheels and well-damped suspension, ride quality is comfortable as the car soaks up all but the worse cracks on our tarmac.
Powering the supermini is a delightful 1.0-litre three-pot powerplant that has more than sufficient strength to pull the car of close to 1.1 tonnes across the 100km/h mark in a respectable 10.9 seconds.
Helping drivers feel that the car is going much faster than the stated figure is the mighty low and mid-range from the 160Nm of torque and the car's inclination to outdo itself with its humble 95bhp. This, together with its compact dimensions, makes for easy overtaking manoeuvres or darting in and out of traffic for the fun of it.
That's not to say the A1 Sportback is all pace without grace. Mated to a creamy seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the car is in its element when you're potting around town or cruising at legal speeds on the expressway. Thanks to its 15-inch wheels and well-damped suspension, ride quality is comfortable as the car soaks up all but the worse cracks on our tarmac.
The only setback we experienced during our time with the car, however, is its fuel economy. Despite its light weight and a diminutive displacement, we managed a mere 10km/L - compared to the 17.6km/L we managed to achieve with the heavier and juicier A3 Sportback under a heavy right foot.
Conclusion
Of course, this small quibble doesn't render the car a bad one. There's no doubt that it looks as good as it drives, with a precise steering, a commendable chassis and an admirable little engine that make the A1 Sportback a well-balanced car.
Oh, and not forgetting the Audi attributes that set high expectations and the tone of your taste - like a quality Swiss-made watch or a pair of custom-made Oxford leather shoes - to remind you that this is more than just a mere fashion statement.
Conclusion
Of course, this small quibble doesn't render the car a bad one. There's no doubt that it looks as good as it drives, with a precise steering, a commendable chassis and an admirable little engine that make the A1 Sportback a well-balanced car.
Oh, and not forgetting the Audi attributes that set high expectations and the tone of your taste - like a quality Swiss-made watch or a pair of custom-made Oxford leather shoes - to remind you that this is more than just a mere fashion statement.
