Audi has produced one of the market's most prestigious hatchbacks with the little A1. Fun to drive, cheap to run, and pocket-sized, it's everything a discerning buyer would want in a city car.
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The A1 is the smallest Audi in the range, but don’t let its size and positioning mislead you. It is every bit as premium as other Audi models. A perfect city car, the A1 debuted in 2010 as a car for packed cities.
There have been two generations of the Audi A1; both boldly aimed at mid-range practicality rather than exuberant desirability. The interior is well-equipped, if not quite as laden as its bigger siblings, the drive is smooth and refined, and the engines are both powerful and efficient. As a downside, it might come across as a bit pricey, sitting at the top end of its class. But as a used buy, you get a well-built, feature loaded and premium hatchback with one of the best cabins in its segment.
Yes, the Audi A1 is generally considered a good small premium car, particularly if you want something compact that feels more upmarket than many mainstream superminis. It has a well-designed interior, good build quality, economical petrol engines and is easy to drive around town while still feeling comfortable and stable on longer motorway journeys. The current-generation A1, introduced in 2018, is more practical than the original model, with a useful boot and reasonable space for passengers, although adults in the rear may still find it tight compared with larger hatchbacks. Most A1s use small turbocharged petrol engines, with the 30 TFSI being a particularly sensible balance of performance and economy, while the more powerful 35 TFSI is better suited to drivers wanting stronger acceleration.
There are some disadvantages. An Audi A1 usually costs more to buy than mechanically related alternatives such as the Volkswagen Polo, SEAT Ibiza and Skoda Fabia, and higher-spec versions with larger alloy wheels can have a relatively firm ride. Some interior materials also feel less premium than you might expect from an Audi, particularly lower down in the cabin. If you're buying used, check the service history carefully, make sure all electronics and infotainment functions work correctly, and on cars with an S tronic automatic gearbox check that gear changes are smooth and that the gearbox has been maintained appropriately. Overall, the Audi A1 is a strong choice if you want a small, economical and relatively premium-feeling hatchback and are prepared to pay a little extra for the Audi badge and styling.
The original A1 was the go-to supermini for drivers who wanted a compact and easy-to-drive car with loads of premium features. The second-generation model only elevates that, with a high-end finish which feels a step above the rest.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
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