A1 185bhp Auto Black Edition - good idea

[pointedstarman]

Hi, I'm just about (tomorrow) to put a deposit on one of these for my wife and was wondering what the PHers collective thoughts were on this car? I had originally planned on getting the 122bhp Sport Auto but the PH man maths overtook me so the 185 version is about to be ordered and I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing?

[Tame Technician]

Just before you press the button.......

How much is an entry level A3 against higher spec A1 ??

New A3 is a much nicer place to be than an A1.

That said 185bhp A1 is a very fun car indeed.

[pointedstarman]

A1 suits because of size - my wifes work has v tight parking so she prefers city cars ( or city car size) hence the A1 rather than something bigger.

[lemonslap]

pointedstarman said:

A1 suits because of size - my wifes work has v tight parking so she prefers city cars ( or city car size) hence the A1 rather than something bigger.

I have been looking at one of these to replace my mk1 focus, amazingly the A1 is nearly the same size externally!

[Dr G]

Tame Technician said:

Just before you press the button.......

How much is an entry level A3 against higher spec A1 ??

New A3 is a much nicer place to be than an A1.

That said 185bhp A1 is a very fun car indeed.

That's a tiny bit mean; the A1 still has a lovely, mature and well laid out interior compared to the chintzy egg box crap int eh competition. It feels exactly like an Audi should do.

185 is a fairly good giggle, plenty of performance in a tiny car and they have reasonably nice, darty feeling steering too. Only thing I don't much like about the 185 is the slightly harsh sounding engine when its pushed hard.

[SteBrown91]

The 1.4 twin charge is a dog of an engine - I'd hold off as rumour has it the facelift will have the 1.8 from the new polo gti. Or if you don't want to wait save some money and get the 150 COD engine which is meant to be a peach.

[the-photographer]

Please consider the 150PS ACT/COD version.

Or wait for the 180PS 1.8 Polo.

[va1o]

That engine has suffered a high number of problems. I'd only buy one if brand new or used with a good warranty. Agree with the above advice that the Polo GTI 1.8 TSI or A1 1.4 TFSI COD are safer options.

[pointedstarman]

Should have said the car is a 2 yr old with a 2 yr Audi warranty. I have put a deposit on it now but not before seeing the service / warranty history on the car which is fine - the previous owner had no complaints over oil consumption etc so hopefully it's a good 'un (touch wood). I have to say I like the way the car goes especially when mated to the 7 speed auto. I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed I haven't got a dud and rely on the extended warranty for back up.

My main concern was the ride / handling with sports suspension & 18" alloys but actually was quite happy. Hopefully the OT will be equally chuffed.

[pointedstarman]

Following on from above comments did more research on the 185 engine and decided it may be a little too risky a proposition so ended up with the 2.0TDi Black Edition instead which should suit the O/H down to the ground. Thanks for the heads up.