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Audi A1

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Expert Rating

Audi A1

(2018 – present)

    Summary


    The Audi A1 is a small five-door hatchback, available in regular (A1 Sportback) or crossover (A1 Citycarver) body styles. The current A1 is the second generation, which was launched in the UK in late 2018.

    Unlike the original A1, there is no three-door version of the current model and there are no diesel-engined versions. As yet, there are also no higher-performance S1 or RS 1 models.

    Generally, the Audi A1 Sportback has received positive reviews from the UK motoring media. However, its current overall Expert Rating of 62% (as of March 2023) trails well behind its major rival, the Mini hatch. The A1 has been particularly praised for its comfort and technology, but isn’t as enjoyable to drive as the Mini.

    The A1 Citycarver also scores poorly compared to the regular A1 Sportback models, particularly because of its high price, which drags down the Expert Rating score for the overall range.

    Audi A1 highlights

    • More comfortable than most superminis
    • Loads of advanced tech from more expensive Audis
    • Great residual values

    Audi A1 lowlights

    • Can’t match a Mini for driving dynamics
    • Citycarver model not worth the money
    • No electrified models available

    Key specifications


    Body style: Five-door hatch
    Engines: petrol
    Price: From £20,840 on-road

    Launched: Autumn 2018
    Last updated: Autumn 2019
    Replacement due: TBA


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

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    Company Car Today

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    Green Car Guide

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    Heycar

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    Honest John

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    Motoring Research

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    Motors.co.uk

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    Parkers

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    The Sun

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    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

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    Which?

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    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 5 stars
    Date tested: September 2019
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 95%
    Child protection: 85%
    Vulnerable road users: 73%
    Safety assist: 80%

    Eco rating


    No eco rating

    As of March 2023, the Audi A1 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. If the A1 is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

    Reliability rating

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    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

    The Audi A1 has a reliability score that’s bang average, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation A1 and the original (pre-2018) version.

    More than a third of all reported problems with the A1 relate to its suspension, although the average repair bill is only about £300. Other areas to look out for are the braking and electrical systems, although the average bills for these are again fairly low. Be aware of gearbox problems, however, – although rare, they are expensive with an average repair bill of more than £2,300.

    If you’re looking at a used Audi A1, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the Audi A1, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    Citroën C3 | Ford Fiesta | Mazda 2 | Mini hatch | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Volkswagen Polo

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    The Audi A1 has received positive media reviews, with praise for its comfort and technology. The A1 Citycarver version disappoints, however.Audi A1