Audi A1 review

The Audi A1 is a brilliant premium small car with great technology, good engines and excellent comfort. It’s also very practical, whether you choose the stylish three-door version or the more spacious five-door Sportback.
It was updated in 2015 with changes to the exterior and interior, more equipment and some engine alterations. The second generation arrived in 2018 with a sportier look and more technology, including a digital speedometer and smarter infotainment system.

Audi offers lots of personalisation options, such as choices of upholstery, seats and paint finish, so it should be easy to find a used A1 to suits your needs, driving style and budget.

The A1 has great ergonomics, comfortable seats and just the right amount of technology. The air vents look great and the infotainment system works well with additional remote controls on the steering wheel.

The three-door version (only available up to 2018) looks good on the outside, but access to the back seats isn't ideal if you have children and there’s really only space for two adults. If you’re looking for more room, go for the Sportback. This has five doors and a boot with a capacity of 335-litres which is big enough for a few suitcases and is expandable to 920 litres.

The A1 drive feels solid with a range of engines, from efficient diesels to the sporty S1 and everything in between. Because it’s built to be driven quickly, the suspension can feel a little firm, especially the S-Line sporty model.

The one-litre models are a great choice for city based driving, but if you often venture further afield then it’s worth going for a 1.5-litre or one of the diesel options.

The driving position is excellent and there's a fantastic six-speed manual gearbox, although for those who spend a lot of time in traffic, the S-Tronic automatic is a good way to go.

You'll pay slightly more for an A1 than for the equivalent Polo or Ford Fiesta, but prices are generally similar to its main rival, the MINI. Diesel-engined cars provide excellent economy, with up to 76 mpg, but the small turbocharged petrol engines aren’t far off delivering up to 60 mpg.

Servicing costs can be slightly higher than main rivals and while some models fit in low insurance groups, the higher versions can get more expensive particularly for younger drivers. Road tax is average, but you’ll pay extra for the higher performance versions.

The A1 scores well in most reliability surveys with the only issues being reported relating to minor electrical problems.

It's a really safe car and has a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. All models have good safety systems, such as electronic traction control which helps to prevent skidding and brake control.