Designed to compete with the Mini, the premium small car from Audi is very successful, either for design or finish. But the basic versions, everything is optional for multimedia and hi-fi. For our test, we opted for a version with Ambition hi-fi Core series, and Optional Navigation Pack Plus! If the system is quite comprehensive, it lacks some features!
The kingdom of options!
Paragraph 1 In the field of hi-fi and multimedia, almost everything is possible on the Audi A1, but optional. Normally, standard, version Ambition has a hi-fi to 8 HP and a laser receiver MP3. Our test model was equipped with the Navigation Plus Pack instead of the classic radio concert. But there are many other options. For 300 Euros, Audi offers a hi-fi to 10 horsepower with a 180-watt amp. There is also an optional Bose Surround Sound System for 990 Euros. It consists of 14 speakers and a 10-channel amplifier 465 Watts developing. For multimedia, you can opt for Connectivity Pack for Bluetooth and mobile source control at the radio concert. For navigation, there is a choice between two systems (Navigation Pack and Advanced Navigation Plus Pack). The former has in addition a 20 GB hard drive, a DVD player and a GPS a little more advanced. Let us now detail the system fitted to our test model!
Benefits: the bare minimum!
The multimedia system consists of two elements: a central unit in the middle of the center console and a retractable color screen on top of the dashboard. The display offers a 6.5-inch and exit mechanism is manual. Premium on a car, we would have liked the screen output is automated. In addition, there is no tactile shame because it is yet easily within reach without moving the seat. The unit offers a very simple design, adapted to the dashboard of the Audi A1, but the system remains close to the other systems of Audi MMI (a rotary control with validation by pressure, surrounded by 4 selection keys) . Below the slot for inserting a CD, it has two SD card readers. The first contains the mapping of the browser, while the latter is free to play MP3 music.
 |
| The Audi A1 Ambition is equipped with the optional Navigation Plus Pack |
Receiver functions for basic, has an FM RDS tuner, a CD player compatible with the three audio formats, a SD slot and of course the classic steering wheel. For the driver has the basic information in his field of vision, a remote display unit is placed in the meter. It indicates the name of the radio or CD track in reading, and shows the direction of pictograms for navigation. With the Connectivity Pack included in the system, it also has a USB control and control iPods. But for one as for the other, you need a specific cord Audi optional. At the price of the multimedia system is still shabby! It also features Bluetooth hands-free download of the phonebook and Bluetooth A2DP to play MP3 music from a mobile phone. Also note the presence of a voice command to manage the core functions without releasing the steering wheel.
 |
| The CPU has two SD Readers, one for GPS and one for music |
GPS has all the modern features, including voice command to enter a destination. Europe maps, extensive POI database, display 2/2D, zoom on the intersections, lane assistant, everything is there. It also has the TMC to navigate, taking into account traffic. In fact, it only lacks the real-time traffic alerts. To finish the presentation of the multimedia system, the MMI is also onboard computer and adjusts some features of the car.
 |
| Apart from the speed camera in real time, GPS is complete |
For hi-fi, it enjoys an amplification of 80 watts and a system to 8 speakers. Front channels and rear channels are equipped with a kit 2 separate ways. To the front, the woofers are placed in the bottom of doors, while the tweeters are housed in the upright windshield. With the HP grid next to the release latch on the door panel, you would think that there are 3 ways to proceed. It's actually a cache, this spot is reserved for the Bose system. Interesting, because the car has good provisions for installing a aftermarket kit 3 channels without getting into deep transformations of the door panel. Finally, the rear channels are built into the sides of the back seat.
Discover and use: A dynamic listening, but lacking in accuracy!
Let's start by listening to music. This system with 8 speakers is not faring too badly. Listening provides a good dynamic and rendering is very clean. It must be said that the Audi A1 is soundproof and well assembled, which gives good acoustical predisposition. Overall, music listening is quite a serious rather well kept. On modern music is rhythmic and strong. However, without a subwoofer, do not expect miracles either. On some songs, it feels very much the absence of subwoofers. The musicianship is good, but it lacks finesse and precision, especially when it is loaded with instruments. However, as a whole, listening to this system is rather nice!
 |
| The stereo system is quite nice, but lacks finesse |
It must be said that the sound image is quite high, thanks to the tweeter placed in the upright windshield, helping to make this enjoyable listening. Listening to suit a wide majority to listen to music in everyday life, but music lovers will focus quickly on opportunities to change the speakers!
Too bad the iPod does not control the record sleeves!
The multimedia unit uses the usual combination of MMI knob and 4 buttons around. The four buttons correspond to functions at the 4 corners of the screen. Frankly, ergonomic issue, it is not practical at all. As long as we stay in basic functions (enter address, seek a range of disc or radio station, ...), the rotary control is very suitable. But the system of the 4 keys to enter the secondary functions (eg audio settings) is not very practical. A touch screen would have been more functional. Menu home unit is attractive and easy to use, but then by the source interfaces are a bit bland.
 |
| At the option price multimedia, iPod cord could be standard |
Today, on a car in the premium segment, it is a pity that the iPod does not control the record covers. If the ergonomics do not believe us, the voice command has been effective and practical to manage key functions. We also appreciate the small monochrome display in the block counter, which puts the essential information in the driver's eyes. Source management is carefree nomads, we find easily eg different playlists on the iPod. But the system Connectivity is still to be reviewed. If you want to plug in a USB cradle, remove the iPod and put another cable (also optional). We would have liked to leave both connected as is done on some aftermarket radios. Certainly, there is the SD slot on the front of the car, which is compatible with SD-HC, but USB support is more universal.
 |
| IPod control works well, but it is a pity he does not display album covers |
In use, FM tuner and CD player does not pose any problem. Both offer good performance. GPS is also in good order. It displays a map clear and readable. Route calculation is very fast. The address input by the rotary control is not as fast as a touch screen, but using it is pretty simple. At each routing, GPS offers several courses, including consideration of traffic through the TMC. The instructions are precise and the browser has always conducted safely. Focus on intersections, taxiways display, the functions are complete. Too bad the system does not include speed camera alerts in real time (but since it banned in some countries, it is understandable that Audi does not do).
 |
| Position in the upright windshield, tweeters provide a pretty good sound image |
Also note that the database of interests is very comprehensive and well service will find hotels, restaurants, businesses, ... The Bluetooth feature does not pose any concern. The mobile phone very easily be paired on the radio. Communication quality is flawless. Overall, the multimedia unit is quite good, but lacks features to really satisfy us at this price! It was of course the advantage of being fully integrated and have a very well placed screen (a screen on the dashboard is more practical than a screen at the center of the dashboard).
In conclusion:
Finally, what about this setup? Objectively, it is quite correct. The multimedia unit offers the basic functions (music, navigation, communication), but the features are not mature enough (no video, no display of album covers, no reversing camera, ...). In addition, the optional iPod cable is a bit exaggerated when it comes to pay over 1200 Euros for the MMI system. At this price, we have a double DIN aftermarket much more complete. However, it has the advantage of being integrated. His question, the system should serve the public by listening with a dynamic soundstage quite high. Listening is alive, it's nice every day, but for music lovers, it still lacks finesse and precision.
 |
| The rear channels are equipped with a two-way system |
Everything is optional on the Audi A1, the car audio enthusiasts and music lovers prefer probably go to a specialist installer, for installation at their convenience. With its location in three-way in front, the Audi A1 has very good predisposition to achieve a beautiful hi-fi. With the battery in the trunk, it will be easy enough to accommodate an amplifier, but small because the trunk is not large. If you want to add a bass, a subwoofer amplified extraplat is most appropriate to the car. Finally, in cases where one would have taken the car with the system presented, there is nothing to change HP's first to get a better listen. And to add the video, there are interfaces that plug into OEM systems MMI without modification. Before you leave visit the car in detail in our gallery, we thank the Château du Maréchal de Saxe in Yerres, who warmly welcomed to the photo shoot!
(+) | (-) |
|
|
Prices of the tested configuration: € 1325 |
Specifications:
- 6.5-inch color screen
- RDS FM Tuner
- CD compatible: MP3/WMA/AAC
- SD Reader
- Bluetooth hands-free and A2DP
- iPod control and USB
- GPS with Europe maps on SD card
- TMC Receiver
- Voice Command
- Steering Wheel Controls
- Remote display
- HP Front: 2 way kit
- HP Rear: 2 way kit
- Amplification: 80 Watt
Budget:
- Hi-fi system: standard on the Ambition
- Option multimedia system: 1280 Euros
- Optional iPod cable: 45 Euros
- Optional USB cable: 37 Euros
- 6.5-inch color screen
- RDS FM Tuner
- CD compatible: MP3/WMA/AAC
- SD Reader
- Bluetooth hands-free and A2DP
- iPod control and USB
- GPS with Europe maps on SD card
- TMC Receiver
- Voice Command
- Steering Wheel Controls
- Remote display
- HP Front: 2 way kit
- HP Rear: 2 way kit
- Amplification: 80 Watt
Budget:
- Hi-fi system: standard on the Ambition
- Option multimedia system: 1280 Euros
- Optional iPod cable: 45 Euros
- Optional USB cable: 37 Euros
No comments:
Post a Comment