Hired an Audi A1 today

[Fun Bus]

The OH and I hired a car today so we could see a bit more of Lanzarote Island. It turns out to be an Audi A1 'TFSI' so typical me I think "Ooh, I'll be able to do the Fun Bus version of a Top Gear road test. I'll call it 'Crap Gear'".

Well, it's a nice looking little car with a decentish amount of poke. Well screwed together and was quite a fun little thing to hoon around in. The fuel economy is staggering and I wasn't hanging around (not racing, just making good progress where and when appropriate). But my lasting impression? It felt no nicer than my Mums '07 plate Corsa. It didn't feel plush as I think a premium brand should.

I know we've a few owners here with one and whilst I'm not saying 'Oh, it's crap', I am saying 'It's not for me'.

[Helicopter123]

How much spec did it have on it?

[Fun Bus]

7-spoke alloys, manual air-con, cloth, power windows and mirrors and a gazillion airbags. Typical standard hire car fodder I reckon - looked nice in white with the black roof sections.

[Helicopter123]

I lot of the premium lux stuff tends to be extra, ie, leather, nav, keyless go, cruise control, climate.

I guess if you want the lux feel you need to get the wallet out?

[chriscoates]

Was it the 1.2 or the 1.4? And what economy were you getting? I've been looking at the 1.4T for my mum.

[va1o]

johnmayer said:

They have a fairly good offer on those at the moment, £225 a month PCP on the 1.6 TDI sport. I'd probably save 3/4 of that in fuel money a month.

Can get them for sub £200 pcm if you look in the right places. The forecasted residuals for these are sky high.

[Fun Bus]

Helicopter123 said:

I lot of the premium lux stuff tends to be extra, ie, leather, nav, keyless go, cruise control, climate.

I guess if you want the lux feel you need to get the wallet out?

I realise all the toys will cost more as they do on many cars, but even for an entry level car I'd expect a 'premium' feel to it with it coming from a premium brand.

I reckon it was a 1.2 with stop/start we had. Upon collection it had one bar over the half a tank mark which would be 2/3 of a tank probably - 100km later it was on half a tank. Not very scientific I know!