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]
In This Article...
Are Audi A1 vehicles reliable?
The Audi A1 is a fantastic premium little car with superb comfort, good electronics, and strong engines. Regardless of whether you select the chic three-door model or the roomier five-door Sportback, it is also quite practical. The exterior, interior, additional equipment, and minor engine improvements were revised in 2015. With a sharper appearance and more technology, including a digital speedometer and a more intelligent infotainment system, the second generation debuted in 2018.
Finding a used A1 that fits your demands, driving style, and price range should be simple because Audi offers a variety of customization options, including choices for upholstery, seats, and paint finishes.
Is the Audi A1 a luxury vehicle?
With its wide grille resembling that of the R8 supercar, the 2018 Audi A1 ups its aesthetic game and gives the opulent supermini a decidedly sporting appearance. The A1 rides and handles extremely well, but it lacks the sporty reactions of its main rival, the MINI, which makes driving less thrilling in practice. However, it gains ground in terms of refinement because the A1 is almost as quiet and comfortable to ride in as a Mercedes C-Class.
Although a closer glance reveals that the materials used in the considerably less expensive VW Polo are nearly comparable, the interior design appears to be highly upscale and Audi. Although there are few options for engines, performance is satisfactory, and since just a large five-door body is available, it is also practical.
What is it like to drive the Audi A1?
A stylish compact automobile that is both comfy and useful is the Audi A1 Sportback. Although it is simple to drive and has a good selection of petrol engines, there are no particularly frugal diesel engines available.
Does the Audi A1 play polo?
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.
Does the Audi A1 have 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.
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.
Audi A1 or A3: Which is superior?
Naturally, the Audi A3 will be the preferred option of the two if you require greater space. Its greater internal dimensions equate to more room than the A1, which might be enough to sway it in your favor.
However, neither vehicle has back seats that are ideal for tall individuals. Your vertically gifted passengers may find themselves hitting their heads on the roof even in the A3. Nevertheless, there is adequate legroom.
For shorter drives, there is adequate room in the Audi A1’s back seat to accommodate adults, but longer drives will make the space feel cramped. If you have a small family and only need to fit a child’s car seat in, there is plenty of room.
Additionally, the Audi A3’s 380 liters of cargo space topped the A1’s 335 liters. Having saying that, the A1 is among the top models in its category.
Audi A1: A family vehicle?
The extra set of doors gives the A1 more weapons in its arsenal. However, don’t expect a roomy family vehicle; although access to the back is now better, it is still pretty small for adults. Some people may be turned off by the exorbitant price, but after spending some time inside and thinking about the top-notch technology underneath, you’ll see where your money is going.
Even though the Audi A1 5-door Sportback is still a small vehicle with limited utility, having an additional pair of rear doors gives it more versatility. It is now a practical choice for households with young children. There should be something for everyone thanks to Audi’s extensive selection of turbocharged and stop-start diesel and gasoline engines.
Although the A1 5-door Sportback from Audi is slightly larger and taller than its 3-door brother, there isn’t much of a stylistic cost. The dramatic LED lighting up front and back as well as the sharp creases have been carried over. Additionally, a variety of new alloy wheel designs in sizes ranging from 15 to 18 inches are added to the A1 5-door Sportback. The elegant inside features the same rational layout and high-quality materials throughout, as you would expect from an Audi vehicle.
The Audi A1 5-door Sportback handles well, too. Its small dimensions and light weight make it nimble around turns, and the straight, snappy steering is well-weighted, making it simple to drive both in and around towns and on highways. The standard electronic differential that helps grip when necessary improves driving even further. However, the Audi A1 5-door Sportback has a somewhat stiff ride, which gets pretty uncomfortable if you choose the S Line or Black Edition variants.
Diesel enthusiasts can choose between 104 bhp 1.6 TDI and 141 bhp 2.0 TDI engines, both of which are powerful and smooth but lack a dynamic feel. The 1.2 TFSI with 85 horsepower and the 1.4 TFSI with 120 bhp, 138 bhp, or 182 bhp are both available in petrol, and both may be chosen with a twin-clutch seven-speed S tronic gearbox. The character of the A1 5-door Sportback fits these engines’ eagerness to rev and howl much more than the diesels do.
Vauxhall Viva
Due to its ordinary looks and plain interior, the Viva is sometimes disregarded, although it is one of the best models for slow depreciation. Approximately 70% of a Viva’s value can be retained during a three-year period. This is partially because of the fairly basic specifications (even top models have limitations here) and low list price; a new model will run you approximately $5,000, while a secondhand model will set you back about $3,500.
Audi A1
The Audi A1 was named “perhaps the best of the super-minis for keeping value” by RAC in 2016. Given that three-year-old models can retain more than 54% of their original worth, this might still be the case. The original list prices are, nevertheless, somewhat exorbitant. In 2016, a brand-new model might have cost you more than 20,000, but you can currently find one used for less than 10,000. The quality and performance of the cars are to blame for both the high price and low depreciation. Audi is known for building high-performing, dependable vehicles with luxurious interiors and stylish exteriors; therefore, with an Audi A1, you get what you pay for.
MINI Cooper hatchback
When it comes to maintaining value, the MINI Cooper constantly performs well. After about three years, models can keep around 52% of their value; 2016 models originally had list prices starting at $15,000, but you can now readily find one used for about 8,000. Because they are incredibly well-built and dependable, MINIs hold their value well. Additionally, they are in constant demand because they are a highly sought-after model, which raises their worth.
Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz is a good model for total cost-savings due to a cheap initial cost and respectable depreciation. After three years, the car retains around 50% of its value; you could logically purchase a used one for less than $7,000. The Jazz is dependable, useful, and competitive in terms of specification levels, yet it may not be to everyone’s taste.
Fiat 500
Fiat 500s, which cost little under 10,000 when new, can retain about 46% of their retail price after three years. The Fiat 500 is recognized for being very customizable, although the variations with more understated and subdued exteriors hold their value better. The Fiat 500 is very popular, especially among younger drivers, because it is both remarkably fuel-efficient and reasonably priced to insure. This keeps the value high.
Are the seats in the Audi A1 cozy?
Even on lengthy trips, the front seats are supportive and pleasant, and both the driver and front seat passenger have adequate leg and foot room. In that way, the A1 is much superior to the MINI.
It’s important to note that the Sportback has three rear seatbelts whereas the three-door only has two, despite the Sportback having the same amount of room.
Boot
A 270-liter boot doesn’t exactly sound like much, but when compared to the class average, it’s not awful. Potential A1 customers will be more interested in the fact that when you stuff the car to the top, you can get a very respectable 920 liters of room if the back seats are folded flat.
Can the Audi A1 handle snow?
Some of us have chosen winter tires because the low profile wheels and tyres on the A1 are not designed for driving in snow. The summer tires that come with the A1 are probably horrible in the winter.