Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy (2015) Review

Renault has a knack for making great handling hot hatchbacks built for track enthusiasts and drivers looking for a pure driving experience. This particular version is the 275 Trophy edition, as hardcore as the Megane RS range gets bar the Nurburgring lap record holding Trophy-R. We spent a week thrashing the Trophy around the Western Cape and are currently looking for a loan shark willing to lend us some money for a purchase.

What does 275 mean?

The Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy is equipped with more power, hence the 275 number, up from 265 in the previous models. The rest of the world works in horsepower but a conversion to kilowatts means it now has 201 kW and 360 Nm on tap. Obviously Renault has seen the likes of Mercedes-AMG and Volkswagen have recently upped the game in the power department and has followed suit. Also the Focus RS and Civic Type-R have both gone north of 200 kW and will be introduced in SA soon.

The Trophy has had to step up its game in the power department, but also attempt to maintain its dominance in the handling department. The competition is heading towards all-wheel drive models more and more, while Renault has kept with front-wheel drive with trick suspension and chassis work to extrapolate the best possible driving experience.

Go faster bits

Besides a bit more power the Megane RS 275 Trophy can be distinguished by its carbon fibre Akrapovic tailpipe, special 19-inch wheels and red Brembo brake callipers. The Megane shape is getting on in years and the next Megane is due for 2016, but this RS Trophy still looks the part. The coupe/hatch sleek look hits just the right buttons when you throw a bodykit and some big wheels at it.

Full power

One of the best things about the Megane RS range has always been the sound it expels, it’s a mix of induction, turbo hiss and a barking exhaust. The Trophy remains just as exhilarating to listen to the higher up the revs you climb. Accidentally clip the limiter and the exhaust will expel a raucous pop that’ll send anyone with petrol in their veins into raptures.

The Trophy is rapid in a straight line too, claiming six-seconds flat to 100kph and relentlessly pulls through the gears. Touch the RS button down by the driver’s right knee and Sport mode engages. It sharpens up the throttle response and loosens the traction control’s nanny grip. All of a sudden you can get the front wheels spinning and the chassis feels lively and ready to have its neck wrung.

Taming the beast

The Megane RS 275 Trophy is one of the few cars that can hold up to being called a track car. It’s firm, almost unbearably so on a bumpy road, but that’s also what makes it so good. The way the Trophy drives is entirely addictive, it finds your inner delinquent and brings it right to the fore. The steering is sharp, direct and perfectly weighted. At every turn you begin to thrust it into bends harder and faster as the chassis copes with direction changes as well as pure-bred sportscars. Eventually, and by that I mean at absolute maximum attack it will push on at the front. It’s not just about a stiff chassis and grippy tyres, the RS Trophy is engaging to drive, you feel every bit a part of the machine as you whip it through a mountain pass. It provides great feedback through the steering and chassis keeping you focused and enthralled by its capabilities.

For everyday use, it may not be to every driver’s liking. The harsh ride can get tiresome, especially on the daily drive to work in traffic. The clutch is quite heavy as well so in an ideal world this would suit perfectly as a second/weekend car. If you’re hardcore enough or can live with the stiff ride then there is nothing near this price that offers the same level of thrills and possesses proper track talents.

Inside story

The Megane RS Trophy crams just about everything Renault has available. Live TomTom navigation is the headline act, but all the basic technologies are covered. The most hardcore of all Recaro bucket seats help hold you in place as you play tug-of-war with the G-forces. The interior design could do with a bit of a revamp as it looks quite aged and hopefully with the 2016 model, Renault introduces a bit more colour to the interior trim.

Verdict

If you’re after a hot hatch that’s built for the track and excites all the senses then this is where you should spend your money, no alternatives. If comfort is quite high on your priority list then maybe look somewhere else, Volkswagen’s Golf R is a worthy all-rounder. The Megane Trophy RS is a no compromise lap record setter that will keep you entertained for years on end as one of the most engaging and driver focussed thrill machines on the market. We want it!

Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy Price in South Africa

Currently the Trophy is priced at R449 900. The price includes a 5-year/150 000km warranty and a 5-year/100 000km service plan.

Team Opinions

If ever you wanted a road-going race car, look no further. Few cars are extreme as this and as far as thrills go at this price point, nothing can touch the Megane RS 275 Trophy. You’ll love the bark of the Akrapovic exhaust and the handling is out of this world. Ultimately it’s too much of a handful and this is why the 265 Lux makes more sense as it offers 85% of the same driving experience, without the compromises. – David Taylor

As far as hardcore, engaging hot hatches go, you don’t get any better than this Megane RS Trophy. If you intend making use of its capabilities a lot, then it has no equal. If you desire a measure of everyday usability, then perhaps not. -Hannes Oosthuizen

We Like: Performance, handling, fun factor

We don’t Like: Not for everyday use

Also consider: Volkswagen Golf R, Ford Focus ST

Compare the Megane RS275 Trophy with the Golf R and Focus ST here

Quick Specs

Megane-RS-275-Trophy

Volvo Takes Child Safety to the Next Level

Volvo has developed the Excellence Child Seat Concept in an effort to re-imagine how children could be transported in the future.

“We started by asking ourselves if we could make life easier for parents and safer for their children when it comes to the child seat experience. We focused on three key benefits – making it easier to get the child into and out of the child seat from an ergonomic and comfort perspective, providing the child with a safe rearward facing seating position that enables it to keep eye-contact with either the driver or the rear passenger and of course including enough storage for those vital child accessories, such as diapers, bottles, wipes, and so on,” said Tisha Johnson, Chief Designer Interiors at Volvo Cars Concept and Monitoring Centre.

Swiveling Child Seat

With the front passenger seat removed, the Excellence Child Seat allows the parent to swivel the seat in a counter-clockwise direction and lock the seat in a rearward facing position. Volvo has also made sure that there’s ample space for all baby related items, ensuring that your little one has everything it needs.

The seat, according to Volvo, also helps the child lean back and sleep, which is based on Volvo’s clear safety position that emphasises that children should travel rearward facing up to the age of 3 or 4. The reason being that small children lack the muscular strength in their necks and the fact that the head size is disproportionate to the size of their bodies.

“For us the safety, convenience, and emotional factors outweigh everything else. Being able to maintain eye contact with your child from the rear seat , or being able to keep a bottle warm in the heated cup holders in the XC90 Excellence, would go a long way towards making life easier for parents taking their small child on a trip. Such alternative seating arrangements will become increasingly important as we move towards autonomous vehicles,” added Tisha Johnson.

 

New Car Sales in South Africa for June 2015

According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) substantial sales declines were experienced across the board in June 2015, with the exception of light motor vehicles. New car sales recorded the largest decline while vehicle exports continued on its upward trend. Take a look at the new car sales summary below for further details.

Sales Summary –June 2015

  • 50 251 aggregate new vehicle sales down by 4.8% (2 534 units) compared to June 2014.
  • 31 422 export sales up by 33.8% (7 930 units) compared to June 2014.
  • 33 035 passenger car sales down by 6.6% (2 332 units) compared to June 2014.
  • 14 756 light commercial vehicle sales up by 1.5% (223 units) compared to June 2014.

Top Selling Car Brands in South Africa – June 2015

Brand Total Sales Market Penetration %
1. Toyota 9 712 (+1 669) 19.3%
3. Ford Motor Company 7 115 (+623) 14.2%
3. Volkswagen 6 934 (-630) 13.8%
4. GMSA 5 024 (+328) 10.0%
5. Nissan 3 997 (-128) 8.0%


Top Selling New Cars in South Africa – June 2015

Model Total Sales
1. Ford Ranger (LCV) 3 019 (-20)
2. Toyota Hilux (LCV) 2 608 (+304)
3. VW Polo Vivo 2 134 (+258)
4. Nissan NP 200 (LCV) 1 977 (+250)
5. Toyota Corolla  1 771 (+371)

New Arrivals

Newly launched cars in South Africa have shown mixed growth. Jeep Renegade recorded 137 sales, Discovery Sport 103, Mazda2 108, Opel Mokka 191, Renault Captur 302, Ford Focus 512, Lexus NX 37 and the Citroen Cactus sold 43.

New Car Sales Outlook

NAAMSA has indicated that the underlying declining sales trend in new car sales and commercial vehicle sales is set to remain under pressure in the short to medium term. Subdued economic activity, electricity supply constraints, higher personal tax burden and increases in the fuel price and vehicle prices will continue to contribute to unfavorable domestic new vehicle sales.  As a result, business confidence and consumer sentiment is also under pressure. Exports sales however would continue to support production levels and South Africa’s balance of payments.

Most Anticipated Sedan in South Africa

South Africans have much to look forward to in terms of new and refreshed sedan products making their way to the country in 2015 and 2016. We took to social media once again with this week’s #ChooseDay to get a sense of what sedan you, the reader, are most looking forward to seeing in South Africa.

We gave you the choice between four new or facelifted sedans, all of which are not yet available in South Africa. The choices included the recently revealed new Audi A4, the facelifted BMW 3-Series LCI, the Jaguar XE and the new Alfa Romeo Guilia. At the time of publishing this article a total of 466 votes were pledged on both Facebook and Twitter and it was a close race to decide which forthcoming sedan holds the most public sentiment in South Africa. Here are the results…

1. BMW 3-Series LCI – 30% of total votes

bmw 3-series

The forthcoming facelifted BMW 3-Series sedan seems to be top-of-mind for many South Africans with 30% of the total votes and can be expected on showroom floors in the third quarter of 2015. The facelifted 3-Series will usher in new engines and technology with minor design tweaks. You can read all about the facelifted BMW 3-Series here! Local pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.

2. Jaguar XE – 138 – 29.6% of total votes

jaguar Xe

In a very close second place on the sentiment scale is the Jaguar XE. An official South African launch date is yet to be confirmed but you can expect the XE in South Africa soon. The Jaguar XE sedan made its first local appearance at the 2015 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb. Three engines will be on offer including a 132 kW 2.0-litre turbo diesel, a 177 kW 2.0-litre turbo petrol and a 250 kW supercharged 3.0-litre V6.

3. Audi A4 – 23% of total votes

audi a4

Audi recently revealed details of the forthcoming A4 sedan and Avant which comes with fresh styling and a host of new technologies. The A4 is a popular model in South Africa can be expected in early 2016. Although local specification and pricing is yet to be confirmed, buyers may have the choice between seven petrol and diesel derivatives. You can read all about the forthcoming Audi A4 here!

4. Alfa Romeo Giulia – 17% of total votes

alfa romeo giulia

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia was recently unveiled in Italy and we attended the unveiling. The flagship Quadrifoglio Verde performance version uses a Maserati/Ferrari-sourced six-cylinder biturbo engine with an estimated output of 375 kW. The Alfa Romeo Giulia is claimed to hit 100kph in just 3.9 seconds. Although, the Giulia comes last on this list, its not to be under estimated and you can expect to see it in South Africa at the end of 2015 or early in 2016.

Mercedes-AMG Teases High Performance Model (Video)

The performance arm of Mercedes-Benz is Mercedes-AMG and the crazy men from Affalterbach are renowned for making the premium sedans go a lot faster. Mercedes-AMG has released a video which teases a forthcoming high-performance product and this video has the simple tagline of ‘Something Fast is Coming.’

There’s virtually no footage of the new car itself, but the video is accompanied with a distinct engine note. Rumours are rife it will be either a Mercedes-AMG C63 Black Series, or an even faster version of the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car. The GT goes on sale in South Africa in July 2015 and we’ll be in attendance.

Another strong possibility is that this vehicle will be a road version of the GT3 Mercedes-AMG race car. It should be more powerful and lighter than the standard model, and feature an extensive aerodynamic kit.

Mercedes-AMG Teaser Video

Kia Sorento (2015) First Drive

The Kia Sorento has always catered for the family buyer with loads of space and good value in an uncomplicated SUV. This new Sorento claims to be more refined in every department, bigger inside and more pleasing to drive. We attended the official South African launch of the Sorento to get a feel for it as it aims to garner some sales in the medium to large SUV segment.

Up Space

The new Sorento increases space for passengers inside by increasing the wheelbase by 80mm. It’s certainly feels very spacious inside with more than enough room up front or in the rear for passengers. The boot is also large and can hold up to 660-Litres in the five seater or 605-Litres in the seven-seater version. No matter how many seats you opt for the second row of seats will slide forward or backwards to increase legroom or cargo room to suit. All seats can also be folded flat as you’d expect in a practical SUV.

Petrol and Diesel

Two engines are available from launch in the Sorento, a 2.4-Litre naturally-aspirated petrol and a 2.2-Litre turbodiesel. The petrol unit claims 127 kW and 225 Nm of torque and feels like it could definitely do with more grunt. It struggles to accelerate up to freeway speeds and if an overtaking move is necessary, it requires a fair amount of gear-shifting and a large gap in front. At city speeds and general chugging around town the engine seems to cope better, but may have similar problems when loaded up.

The 2.2-Litre turbodiesel puts out 147 kW and a lofty 440 Nm of torque. It is certainly the engine of choice, and even when we drove it with the all-wheel drive system it felt strong enough. The diesel does sound a little rough from the outside, but on the inside the noise hardly penetrates into the cabin. If you spec the automatic or the manual six-speed gearbox the diesel pulls well up hills and in overtaking manoeuvres.

Improved Safety

Kia has implemented an impressive array of safety systems in the new Sorento range that thankfully includes stability control across the range. Entry level models start with just two airbags but a maximum of six airbags can be specced. The body structure is also stiffer in order to better deal with impacts.

Interior Trim and Spec

The new Sorento ups its game tremendously in terms of build quality. The panels fit flush and nothing moves or flexes badly when you push and prod around the cabin. The materials whilst claiming to be premium don’t feel all that great to touch and seem to be made mostly from softish rubber. The infotainment screen will soon include a seven-inch touchscreen but the lower spec radio is small, lacks functionality and feels like a cost saving effort.

I was expecting Kia to have moved its game on with the new Sorento’s interior, but the materials and design is much of what we have seen in past and current models. It is however comfortable to sit in with really supportive and adjustable seats.

Driving it

The new Sorento Drives well for an SUV, its characteristics can be changed on top spec models with a ‘Drive Mode’ button that navigates through Normal, Eco and Sport modes. They alter the automatic gearbox’s gearshift points to enhance the requested driving experience. On road the Sorento feels well-planted but also comfortable on the long journey, it’s definitely the core focus point of the vehicle.

On the short stint of gravel we experienced the Sorento seemed to shake and bump a little more than expected and might not be the most comfortable if you intend to put in long, hard miles on dirt roads.

The new Kia Sorento is in stiff competition with many competitors having just launched new vehicles as well. It will probably have to rely on a keen price to see buyers tempted to it. The entry-level model is just that and competes with the likes of the Nissan X-Trail and Chevrolet Captiva in the petrol engine department. The higher spec models seem a bit steeply priced and will have to deal with buyers being lured towards Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Kia Sorento Pricing

KIA Sorento 2.4 LS                                           R 379 995

KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi LX                                 R 499 995

KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi EX AWD                     R 599 995

KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi SX AWD                     R 634 995

All models are standard with a 5-year/150 000km warranty. The Sorento 2.4 LS comes as standard with a 4-year/90 000km service plan, while LX, EX and SX models include a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.

Jaguar F-PACE Prototype to Support Team Sky

The forthcoming Jaguar F-PACE performance crossover will make its first public appearance at the Tour de France this weekend where it will serve as a support vehicle for Team Sky rider, Chris Froome.

“We are delighted to be supporting Team Sky again at such a prestigious sporting event and are excited at the prospect of the F-PACE being seen in action in public for the first time”, said Kevin Stride, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar F-PACE.

Special Camouflage for F-PACE

The Jaguar F-PACE will only be fully revealed later this year, so some special camouflage will be used to hide the exact design details of the car. The F-PACE will be covered in a soft wrap with inspiration taken from the Tour de France and road racing bikes. The camouflage features carbon textures, rubber and chains interspersed with Team Sky design.

The F-PACE prototype’s appearance at the Tour de France forms part of its final testing, giving Jaguar a chance to test its performance, durability and packaging. The F-PACE prototype will carry up to four people as well as team equipment, tools, spare parts, drinks, clothing and other cycling necessities. The F-PACE also features a cutting-edge bike racking system designed by Jaguar Land Rover which will help carry bikes for the riders.

Watch the short film below featuring Chris Froom and the Jaguar F-PACE.

Ford Fiesta 1.0T Ambiente Automatic (2015) Review

Since its introduction in South Africa, the Ford Fiesta has remained a popular choice for compact hatchback buyers across the country. The success of the Fiesta lives on, with Ford selling Fiestas by the hundreds on a monthly basis. The Fiesta’s success hasn’t come easy though and the compact hatchback segment is crowded with competitors like the Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio, Kia Rio, Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20 and so forth, all vying to dominate the segment. So why should you consider a Ford Fiesta then?

We spent a week with the Fiesta 1.0T Ambiente automatic to see what makes this offering so competitive.

Solid Interior

Step inside this Fiesta Ambiente model and you are met with a rather grey interior. The seats are grey too and are upholstered in cloth, but offer reasonable levels of comfort. Although hard plastics dominate the cabin, we were pleased to note that the interior is solid and well built. It’s the type of interior that lends itself to durability, which is a good thing, but overall it lacks contrast and an element of excitement.

In Ambiente trim, interior features are rather basic, but sufficient. Features include a multifunction function steering wheel that’s adjustable for rake and reach, SYNC Bluetooth connectivity, USB and Auxiliary inputs, Radio/CD player, electric front windows and air conditioning.

In terms of space, the Fiesta offers 276-litres of boot space, which is less than its main rivals, but space can be increased by folding the split rear bench down to load larger items. Space for rear seat passengers is on the tight side and larger individuals may have a problem in terms of leg and headroom. Family-orientated buyers will be happy to find ISOFIX child seat mounts fitted as standard.

Excellent Performance

The Ford Fiesta’s core strength lies in its performance. This particular Fiesta model comes fitted with Ford’s 3-cylinder 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine which offers 74 kW of power and a healthy 170 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. It must be said that the combination is excellent. The transmission never really labours to find the right gear and transitions are generally smooth and responsive.

This Fiesta has a claimed 0-100kph time of 10.8 seconds, but in reality it feels a whole lot quicker. Performance is brisk and the Fiesta responds well to throttle inputs making it very nippy in traffic and quite fun to drive. Out on the highway, the Fiesta copes well at highway speed and it always has a bit of punch when you need to overtake. The Fiesta is a pleasure to drive.

In terms of fuel consumption, Ford claims 4.9L/100km on the combined cycle, but you can expect about 6.5L/100km, depending on your driving style.

Good Ride & Handling

Ride and handling in this Ford Fiesta is good. Not only is the Fiesta comfortable to drive, it handles really well too. It keeps its composure in a bend with minimal body-roll being evident and it feels solid and confident when you decide to push on. The Fiesta soaks up bumps nicely and the ride is smooth with good feedback from the steering wheel. In terms of performance and handling, you can’t really go wrong with the Fiesta. This derivative rides on 15-inch steel wheels fitted with wheel covers.

On the safety front, this Fiesta in Ambiente trim comes with two airbags for the driver and passenger and ABS with EBD is fitted as standard.

Ford Fiesta Price in South Africa

This Ford Fiesta 1.0T Ambiente Automatic is priced at R199 900 and comes with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan. Buyers also receive 3-year roadside assistance and a 5-year corrosion warranty.

Click here to see pricing for the Ford Fiesta range.

Verdict

Overall, the Ford Fiesta is an excellent car, offering commendable performance from its 1.0 Ecoboost engine. It’s an easy, fun car to drive and is even easier to live with on a daily basis. However, the Fiesta offers less space than its main competitors and in Ambiente trim, its features list is a bit shy. Even so, the Fiesta won’t let you down and it’s well worth consideration in this segment.

You can compare the Ford Fiesta against its main rivals here!

Want to buy a new Ford Fiesta? Click here for more information.

Team Opinion

You won’t get a better small automatic than this Fiesta. It’s good to drive and comes with the basics. – Hannes Oosthuizen

The Ford Fiesta is a good-looking small hatch and the EcoBoost powerplant and automatic gearbox make for a good combination. –David Taylor

We Like: Engine performance, good ride and handling, solid interior

We Don’t Like: Lack of features, dull interior, could do with more space

Also Consider: Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio, Hyundai i20

Ford Fiesta 1.0T Ambiente Automatic Quick Specs

ford fiesta

Behind The Scenes: How We Make Our Drag Races Happen

Every now and then when it stops raining in Cape Town, the Cars.co.za team takes over the Killarney Race Track and… well, it’s a lot of fun.

The circuit has a drag strip and as you may have seen, we have staged some rather epic races which have been a hit with our Youtube audience.

We’ve also started making use of the full circuit for races, now that we have our very own actual racing driver, Ashley Oldfield. He’s really ridiculously good at going fast, he’s won the Knysna Hill Climb twice and also won the 1000 km of Silverstone, as well as a podium finish at the Dubai 24 Hour. There can’t be many South Africans who have been sprayed with champagne on the top podium at Silverstone.

And so we thought we’d give you an idea of what it takes to capture these races, in a behind the scenes video from our last drag day. As you’ll see, coffee and doughnuts are as essential as petrol.

Filmed and offline edited by Mike Salzwedel. Say hello him here: www.twitter.com/saltwag *We don’t understand his handle either.

Behind The Scenes Video:

For all of our drag races, watch our Drag Race Youtube playlist Here:

Audi A1 1.8T FSI (2015) Review

The Audi A1 received a mild facelift not so long ago and first impressions were generally good. The new Audi A1 arrived at our offices and while we were hoping to sample the new 1.0-litre three-cylinder motor, quietly we were smiling when the performance-biased 1.8T FSI arrived. How did it do?

Premium Offering

The A1 is Audi’s entry-level product and on paper at least, promises premium and luxury bundled into a compact product. Based on the Volkswagen Polo and sharing some of its underpinnings, comparisons are inevitable, but we can tell you straight away that the premium you pay over an A1 is justifiable when you look at the build quality and premium touches. That’s not to say the Polo is poorly built, when it’s actually a quality offering, but the Audi is just that little bit more premium.

Our Audi A1 1.8T came in Mythos Black and had some subtle matte black decals on the A-, B- and C-pillars, as well as on the rear bumper. This model is distinguished by the prominent red splitter at the front, which gives it a bit of a boy racer edge.

Powering this Audi A1 1.8T FSI is a tried-and-tested 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor pushing out 141kW and 250Nm. Performance fans will notice the similarities between this and the Volkswagen Polo GTI in terms of outputs and essentially it’s the same engine. Power reaches the front wheels through a 7-speed twin-clutch S Tronic transmission.

Strangely there’s a lack of shift paddles located behind the steering wheel, which would contribute greatly to the sporty nature of this vehicle. It’s claimed to be an economical engine, with Audi reporting figures of 5.6L/100km. During its week-long tenure, we saw figures of around 8L/100km and the tank capacity is rated at 45L.

On The Road

On the road, the Audi A1 1.8T has generally good manners although testers noted the ride was firm and jarring on certain sections of tarmac. Granted, tarmac in the vicinity of the office is being resurfaced and parts of it are in poor condition. We suspect the smart-looking 17-inch alloys are also not helping its case. On smooth roads at the urban speed limit, the Audi A1 1.8T is sporty and firm, which is appropriate for a car of this nature. Throw some corners into the mix and the fun side of the Audi A1 1.8T comes out, and it offers a spirited driving experience. Audi claims this enjoyment comes from the new electro mechanical steering system.

The car is lacking launch control which means getting it off the line is a little tricky, but its the in-gear acceleration which is the real strength of the S Tronic transmission. Gearshifts are effortlessly quick and without hesitation. Kickdowns are quick too, with the car being able to get to 3rd gear from 6th without any obvious momentum changes. If only all twin-clutch gearboxes were this good.

Mash the accelerator to the floor and Audi says you’ll reach 100kph in 6.8 seconds. Our testing revealed this figure was about right, with the timing equipment proudly displaying a 7.1. If the car had launch control, we’re confident of getting about mid-6s, but that would be a little too close to the flagship Audi S1, wouldn’t it? Top speed is rated at an optimistic 250kph…

Specification and Optional Extras

In true Audi fashion our test unit was generously fitted with optional extras and these included MMI navigation (R24 700), panoramic glass roof (R11 220), roofline decals (R4 470), cruise control (R3 250), black styling package (R2 040) and a decal set for the rear (R1 800). Strangely leather seats are an option and we’re disappointed that a vehicle with this price tag lacks quality seats. This brings the optional extras total to R47 750 and you can make your own mind up on whether its absolutely necessary to fork out for these things. Audi is going down the MINI/Fiat 500 route and making a number of personalisation options available, so you can go wild with your choices.

Verdict

The Audi A1 1.8T Sportback is a good car, there’s no doubting that. However questions about value for money will be asked when you’re paying almost R400 000 for a small city car, regardless of how premium and luxurious it feels. That said, it’s remarkably premium and the build quality is exceptional and if you’re wanting something a bit more mature than a Volkswagen Polo GTI, but can’t quite stretch to one of the bonkers Audi S1 flagship models, then this will do nicely. Or, be sensible and buy an Audi A3 which is bigger and more practical, and about the same price too.

Audi A1 1.8T FSI Price in South Africa

The Audi A1 range starts from R265 000 for the base-spec three-door 1.0T S, while the 1.8T Sportback goes for R390 000. This exact vehicle with its extras came to R437 750. Included in the price is a 1-year unlimited warranty and a 5 year/100 000km Freeway plan.

Test Team’s Comments

“Luxury comes at a price but you can be assured that the Audi A1 1.8T FSI is a hoot to drive and the interior is superbly built with class.” – Gero Lilleike

We Like: Refinement, Engine, Build quality

We don’t Like: Price, Interior is small, No S Tronic paddles

Also consider: Volkswagen Polo GTI, MINI Cooper S

Compare the Audi A1 to its rivals here.

Want to buy an Audi A1? Click here.

Audi A1 1.8T TFSI – Quick Specs

Cars-Audi-A1-1.8T-Sportback