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.
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