A GROUP of car experts have picked out a luxury hatchback that can be bought for under £9,000.
Swansway Motor Group, a family-owned dealership brand based in Cheshire, have exclusively revealed to Sun Motors their top choice for a practical and modern hatchback with plenty of refinement.
The motor in question is the Audi A1, a supermini built by the German marque since 2010.
While the second-gen model was released in 2019, the Mk1 remains a very popular second-hand choice for drivers looking for affordable thrills.
Built to take on the new Mini, the A1 is perhaps best known for its premium image and fun-focused driving experience, and there’s plenty of scope for customisation, too.
The Swansway Motor Group gurus are particular fans of its interior, saying: “Inside, the cabin is designed with comfort and style in mind, offering ample space for both driver and passengers.”
Indeed, it’s possibly been the finest small car sold by the Volkswagen Group over the last 10 years – even outweighing the likes of the VW Polo, Seat Ibiza and Skoda Fabia.
It certainly boasts a huge fan in former Top Gear and Fifth Gear host Vicki Butler-Henderson, who said via Autoexpress in 2022 that the A1 is “Audi’s answer to the Mini.”
She added: “The A1 may be the baby of the German giant’s gang, but it has the desirable sophisticated looks of its siblings.
“Behind that premium badge is a car with lots of character and, thanks to good build quality and popularity, there are plenty for you to choose from.”
For drivers looking for a bit more oomph, the Sportback combines hot hatchback fun with Audi-levels of refinement.
Swansway Motor Group have picked out a Sportback model they currently have for sale – a 2014 model with a 1.2-litre engine – that’s just £7,640 with 67,607 miles on the clock.
The experts said: “For those who appreciate a blend of sporty design and practicality, the 2014 used Audi A1 1.2 TFSI S line Sportback is a standout option.
“With its sleek blue exterior, this A1 not only looks great but delivers on performance too.”
They also highlighted a 2017 TFSI Sport A1 with a larger 1.4-litre engine that’s priced at £8,840 with 57,889 miles on the odometer.
The experts added: “The 2017 Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport is an excellent example of how a hatchback can combine performance with elegance.
“With a powerful 1.4-litre engine, this A1 hatchback offers a lively driving experience, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.5 seconds.
The sleek black exterior adds a touch of sophistication, while the manual transmission gives you full control over your drive.”
Sadly, the Audi A1 won’t be available to buy new for too much longer, as as we reported in 2022 that the supermini’s days were numbered – with it likely to be discontinued by 2025.
Meanwhile, Audi look set to revive a sports car model that they originally scrapped many years ago.
The 600-horsepower monster was an early example of hybrid technology but was cancelled before it went into production over a decade ago.
