CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,000
Average Price: Around £13,000

Audi A1 (2018-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Understated good looks	Pricey compared to similar cars with mainstream badges
Very practical for a small car	Firm ride when fitted with big alloy wheels
Free-revving petrol engines	No electric or hybrid version

Quick Summary

The Audi A1 Sportback (2018-present) is a premium small hatchback that proves a small car can feel genuinely upmarket. This second-generation model offers a five-door-only design with improved practicality over its predecessor, featuring a spacious 335-litre boot and comfortable rear seating for two tall adults. With its understated styling, high-quality interior and comprehensive technology including 10.3-inch digital dials and 8.8-inch MMI touchscreen, the A1 delivers a grown-up driving experience that rivals larger cars.

The range features sweet, free-revving petrol engines from the 94bhp 1.0-litre 25 TFSI through to the 197bhp 2.0-litre 40 TFSI, with manual and automatic options available. Real-world fuel economy ranges from 40-45mpg on smaller engines to around 35mpg on the more powerful 40 TFSI. The A1 holds its value exceptionally well, with reasonable insurance costs and affordable servicing plans available. Whilst pricier than mainstream rivals like the VW Polo and Ford Fiesta, it offers superior premium feel and practicality, making it an excellent choice for those valuing quality and composure over outright driving thrills.

Best for: Buyers seeking a premium small car with excellent practicality, those wanting superior interior quality and technology, and drivers who value composed, stable motorway driving.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers prioritising lowest purchase price, those wanting a more engaging driving experience (like a MINI), or buyers seeking electric or hybrid options.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the A1 if: You're seeking a premium small car with excellent practicality, wanting superior interior quality and technology, or prioritising composed, stable motorway driving.

Consider alternatives if: You're budget-conscious and prioritising lowest purchase price, wanting a more engaging driving experience, or seeking electric or hybrid options.

Competitive Position: The Audi A1 (2018-present) is a standout choice in the premium small car segment, offering exceptional value for those willing to pay slightly more than mainstream rivals. Whilst the Volkswagen Polo matches it on expert rating and exceeds it slightly on overall CarGurus rating, the A1 delivers superior interior quality and a more premium feel. The MINI offers more engaging handling, but the A1 provides better practicality and composure. Against the budget-friendly Fiat 500, the Audi's quality, technology and driving experience are in a different league. For buyers valuing premium feel, practicality and reliability, the A1 is an excellent investment that holds its value exceptionally well.

Read our full Audi A1 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.