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The Audi A1 is one of only a few premium-brand small hatchbacks (or superminis). In many ways, it feels like a scaled-down version of Audi’s bigger models, which is a good thing. It’s comfortable and quiet, its interior is user-friendly with a high-quality feel and it’s packed with tech. It feels reassuringly solid to drive, yet gives you all the usual small-car benefits of easier parking, good fuel efficiency and comparatively low ownership costs.
The current A1 has been sold new since 2018 when it replaced a version sold new from 2010. The newer car is larger, more practical and comes with Audi’s latest tech.
You can only get the A1 as a hatchback. Both the latest and previous versions are available as a five-door ‘Sportback’ although the older model is also available with three doors. The current car is also available as the A1 Citycarver, which features SUV styling details and raised suspension for a more rugged look.
There are only a few trim levels to choose from, but a lot of engines. The older version of the A1 is available with ‘TFSi’ petrol and ‘TDi’ diesel engines; there are no diesel options for the current car. Manual and automatic gearboxes are available. Even A1 models with low-power engines give good acceleration around town but the more powerful options are better suited to motorway journeys. The four-wheel-drive S1 hot hatch (sold until 2017) is fast and lots of fun.
All A1 models come well equipped with Bluetooth, DAB radio and air con. Many models also have cruise control, climate control, parking sensors and sat nav. Some even have heated leather seats. The current car has a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a digital information display for the driver.
Older models of the A1 all give average fuel economy of at least 50mpg, according to official figures. Some petrol models can give over 60mpg and some diesels can give more than 80mpg. On paper, the current version is less efficient, but this reflects a change in how fuel economy is calculated. Even so, the most efficient models can give up to 53mpg on average and even the high-performance 40 TFSi gives a respectable 39mpg.
Other premium-brand superminis include the Mini Hatch and DS 3. It’s not the most fun to drive, but the A1 offers the most interior space and the most relaxing drive.
Whichever version you choose, the A1 has enough space for four adults to sit in reasonable comfort. Three-door models only have four seats and access to the back seats is awkward but the current five-door version has more back-seat space, particularly when it comes to headroom.
There’s also just about room for three children, but if you regularly carry back-seat passengers they’ll feel more comfortable in one of the rival cars. There’s a lot of room in the front seats and the boot is bigger than a Mini’s, with room for big shopping trips and luggage for weekends away. The back seats fold down if you need extra space.
Both versions of the A1 were awarded a full five-star rating by the safety organisation Euro NCAP. The current version has some of Audi’s latest safety tech including automatic emergency braking that can detect pedestrians and cyclists.