The entry-level Audi is the A1. Although it is considerably smaller than the entry-level models from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the A1 is more focused on their subsidiary brands, such as MINI and Smart, rather than the 1 Series or A-Class.
The Audi A1 maintains the normal Audi features of a quality feel and a luxury image, so just though the car is smaller doesn’t mean it delivers any less in terms of quality. Despite being a little Audi, it nonetheless provides a desirable overall driving experience.
A used Audi A1 is a terrific example of a high-end first car because the interior quality is good and there are many trim levels and engine options.
In This Article...
Reliability of Audi A1 vehicles?
“Typical Audi safety levels and no significant reliability difficulties are undoubtedly in the A1’s favor.
The majority of dependability studies show that the A1 performs admirably, with the only reported faults being minor electrical ones.
It has a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, indicating how safe it is. All models offer effective safety features, such as brake control and electronic traction control, which help to prevent skidding.
What are some typical Audi A1 issues?
Despite the Audi A1’s premium price, it appears that owners haven’t had a premium ownership experience. Our Driver Power customer satisfaction survey over the years that it was on sale highlighted concerns with the automobile encountered by owners, and there are a few frequent flaws to watch out for as well. However, there are no obvious issues that would make us hesitate to purchase the vehicle used. Just something to keep in mind when making purchases.
How reliable is the Audi A1?
The Audi A1 may be kept in good condition by performing routine maintenance. For older models up to 15 years old, the brand offers a service plan that costs monthly over 24 months and covers two services during that period. A 500 upfront payment option is also available.
Because the newest Mk1 A1s are from 2018 and the original guarantee was just three years, the majority won’t be covered under warranty any more. As a result, a select few may still be covered by warranty if the owner purchased an extended package, but don’t bet on finding one.
Are there any common problems or things to look out for?
The front doors of the Audi A1 sometimes rattle (a cable tie will remedy this), hot xenon lights can harm the light housings, and the electronic windows frequently stick. The 1.4-liter petrol model’s turbocharger problems, which could be expensive to replace, may be the biggest concern. Watch out for smoke coming from the exhaust, as this is a clear indication that the turbo has failed.
Better: the Audi A3 or A1?
The A1 is your best option if you’re seeking for the most cheap way to drive an Audi. It is significantly less expensive than the A3, but its operating costs are roughly comparable.
If space isn’t a huge concern and you conduct the majority of your driving in the city, it’s the best option.
However, the Audi A3 is the best option if you’re searching for a vehicle that is more suited for a family. Additionally, it feels more luxurious, which is excellent if you want a little more luxury.
Can the Audi A1 handle lengthy drives?
Our Audi A1 is leaving us sooner than I had wanted. Although it was delivered in May, the time we have spent with the supermini feels like it has gone by far faster than I would have liked. It’s usually an indication that a car has made a positive impression when you’re sad to see it go, and in this case, that is definitely the case.
I discussed how small comforts make life more tolerable in my first summer update. That’s still how I feel about the A1 a few months later. Every time you sit behind the wheel, you have the feeling that you’re doing something unique.
High-quality materials, a clever design, and a comfortable driving posture make you feel at home right away. Better yet, our A1’s (albeit expensive) upgrades make it feel even more special, but it’s the straightforward yet ingenious design cues, like the circular air vents inspired by the TT and the pop-up screen for the optional sat-nav, that I truly appreciate.
On lengthy excursions, the A1 is really polished and comfortable. The controls are perfectly weighted, and the handling is excellent. But even so, in my opinion, it still lacks the quickness and enjoyment of its main competition. Despite the Sport model’s firm suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels, it rides better than other MINIs.
What vehicle is ideal as a first vehicle?
Top 10 new driver first cars of 2022
- Up Volkswagen!
- Hello Picanto.
- Fiesta by Ford.
- Ibiza by SEAT.
- Infiniti i10
- Polo by Volkswagen.
- Citroen C1, Peugeot 108, and Toyota Aygo.
- Fabia Skoda.
Is running an Audi A1 inexpensive?
The Audi A1 is a wonderful option for those who appreciate outstanding fuel economy due to its compact size and effective engine lineup. The MINI and DS 3 are the class’s most frugal vehicles, albeit the most efficient A1 still trails them in terms of performance.
Since the very newest models were sold in 2018, all Audis come with the same three-year or 60,000-mile guarantee that you get with a Volkswagen Polo. This means that no first-generation cars are still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Audi offers fixed-price servicing, but because it’s a premium brand, maintaining an Audi A1 will cost a little more than maintaining, say, a Ford Fiesta.
Are Audi A1s fuel-efficient?
The Audi A1 has strong fuel efficiency because to its light weight and economical engines. Less than 100g/km of CO2 are emitted by the 1.6 diesel and new 1.0-liter petrol engines, respectively.
For the 1.0-liter engine, there is a limitation, though. The claimed efficiency figures are really impressive, and with careful driving, you should be able to approach them on the road. The warbling engine note and free-revving character of the new generation of small-capacity petrol turbos, however, can be challenging to ignore. If you get carried away with the enjoyable driving experience, your overall economy will soon start to decline. The under-stressed diesel type is the superior option if maximum efficiency is your top priority.
The potent 1.4 is also quite impressive elsewhere in the lineup, particularly the 148 bhp Cylinder-on-Demand version with 58.9 mpg and 112 g/km of CO2 emissions. Even the lightning-fast S1 promises 40 mpg when using the right foot lightly.
Is the 1.4 TFSI Audi A1 dependable?
Additionally, some owners have mentioned that the Bluetooth system occasionally behaves improperly, preventing you from connecting your phone to the vehicle. Several minor electrical issues have occurred, but nothing severe.
Is a used Audi A1 hatchback reliable?
According to the most current reliability surveys, the A1 performed better than almost all of its rivals. In fact, in our most recent one, the A1 placed in the middle of the small car class, which was an unexpectedly disappointing outcome considering the A1 typically places in the top three. Out of 31 manufacturers, Audi came in 21st overall.
Where is the Audi A1 produced?
In Forest, close to Brussels, Audi’s Belgian facility built the A1.
[27] The Volkswagen Group PQ25 platform, which also underpins the SEAT Ibiza Mk4 and the VW Polo Mk5, serves as the foundation for the A1; SEAT and Audi worked together on its development. [29] On June 23, 2011, the 100,000th A1 was created at the Audi facility in Brussels. [30] [31]
Is the Audi A1 too compact?
Buyers should keep in mind that the Audi A1 is a compact premium vehicle; anyone anticipating ample space to spread out in the back will probably be dissatisfied. Even yet, the interior space is superior to that of its MINI archrival and is not quite as congested as one might assume.
Size
Due to its length of just under four meters, the Audi A1 is easy to park in confined town center areas. Additionally, because it is also rather narrow, owners shouldn’t worry about their lovely bodywork getting scratched in multi-story buildings or supermarket parking lots (at only 1,746mm wide).
Interestingly, there isn’t much of a size difference between the A1’s three-door and five-door variations. The Sportback is only slightly taller than the three-door, but all vehicles have the same 2,469mm wheelbase and similar height and width specifications (1,746m vs 1,740mm).
Leg room, head room & passenger space
In an A1, you want to be in the front. Although the back seats are already very small, when the optional sports bucket seats are installed, the room gets significantly smaller.
Which Audi is the smallest?
The Audi A1 Sportback features plenty of modest storage areas, enough for four tall adults, and a well-designed boot. Only your fifth passenger will be unhappy about the cramped conditions.
Passenger space
Although the Audi A1 Sportback is the brand’s smallest vehicle, it provides enough for four tall passengers, including you.
Finding a comfortable position behind the wheel of the A1 won’t be a problem because both it and the driver’s seat come with a broad range of adjustment as standard. The driver’s seat can be adjusted for a wonderful view outside or lowered closer to the ground for a sportier sensation. If your passenger wants to do this as well, you must get a Sport model.
In addition to the most basic SE models, every Audi A1 Sportback has lumbar support for both front seats that may be adjusted to provide a little more support for your lower back during lengthy trips.
The Audi A1 Sportback has front and rear doors as standard, unlike some tiny cars, so you don’t have to get out to let passengers climb into the back. Once on board, tall travelers will discover that there is enough headroom and legroom to be comfortable, even if there is another tall passenger in the front.
Not as great is the middle seat. There is less headroom overall, less legroom due to the front seats’ back indents no longer aligning with your knees, and its cushions feel harsher than those of the outer two seats. If you attempt to transport three individuals in the back at once, you may anticipate the elbow room to feel somewhat constrained. There isn’t a central armrest for the passengers in the back, even if there are just two of them.
The Audi A1 Sportback’s back seat can accommodate a child seat reasonably easily, but you must first remove several plastic coverings in order to access the Isofix anchor points. Due to the A1’s rather low roof, if you’re tall, you’ll need to stoop down somehow to buckle a child.
Storage space
The reduced storage spaces in the Audi A1 Sportback maintain the huge car sense. All of the door pockets can accommodate large water bottles, there is a sizeable glovebox, and there are three cupholders located between the front seats.
Additionally, there is a convenient sunken tray with a USB port in front of the gearstick that will prevent your phone from sliding around as you turn, and the front seats have seatback pockets designed like those on airplanes with a soft lining that won’t harm an iPad screen.
Boot space
There are 335 liters of additional boot capacity in the new Audi A1 Sportback, which is over a 25% increase over the previous model. In practice, this means that you can pack for your journey to the airport with an additional compact luggage.
In addition to its size, the Audi’s large boot entrance and load area’s square design make it simple to load, and since the boot floor is movable, there is no need to worry about a lip. If you need to remove the parcel shelf, there is even enough under here to do so.
The A1 boasts one of the most useful trunks of any small car when you take into account the various hooks and tethers for securing luggage and hanging groceries. A 1,090-liter cargo bay is made available by folding the Audi’s back seats in a two-way split if you need to transport larger items. That’s somewhat smaller than the 1,125-litre boot of the VW Polo, but big enough to transport a bicycle with its wheels attached.
You can easily push bulky boxes right up behind the front seats without any effort because there isn’t a bothersome step behind the back seats either.
Is a polo the same as an Audi A1?
Both brands are known for being enjoyable to drive. The RS3 and its absurd power come to mind when you hear the term “Audi,” while the Golf Type R comes to mind when you think of sporty hatchbacks. However, how do these two compact cars move?
First off, both cars have outstanding handling. Both feel fine on the highway and are nimble in urban areas. Here, there is a tie.
However, the situation is different in terms of engines. The A1’s four gasoline engines perform admirably. The less expensive variants, such the 30 TFSI, can accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour (mpg) in 9.5 seconds. You can choose engines that are more focused on performance, such the 40 TFSi. Although it is faster, it gets less mileage and emits more CO2.
The entry-level Polos, on the other hand, are a little underwhelming. Both 1.0-liter petrol engines, which have 65 and 80 horsepower, are underpowered, thus overtaking requires using a lot of force.
Don’t bother with the less expensive engines; the turbocharged 1.0-litre engine is considerably superior. Power-wise, Audi wins hands down, and it also features a superior automatic transmission. The seven-speed automatic transmission in the Polo shifts erratically at low speeds; the A1 is more reliable. The A1 sports a fantastic six-speed manual transmission, but the Polo only has a five-speed.
Simply simply, the A1’s suspension is superior. On the highway, especially with the superb cruise control, it is far more relaxing than the Polo in terms of comfort. There is a difference, even though it is not very noticeable.