Audi A1 Review (2010-2017)

What is the Audi A1?

If you want a distinctive or upmarket-feeling used compact hatchback, it’s well worth looking at the Audi A1. It serves up premium-sector quality and technology in a small package, and is offered in an array of configurations, which serves to make it a compelling alternative to cars such as the MINI Hatch, Citroen DS3 and Volkswagen Polo.

The first generation of Audi A1, which was codenamed 8X, was introduced in 2010 as a three-door model with four seats. Three trim grades were available initially, along with three engines – an 85bhp 1.2-litre petrol, a 120bhp 1.4-litre petrol and a 104bhp 1.6-litre diesel.

Manual gearboxes were standard but the 1.4 TFSI could be had with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic. More powerful engines would follow, including a twin-charged 1.4 TFSI and a 2.0-litre diesel, and a five-door, five-seat model called the Sportback was made available to order in late 2012.

How practical is it?

What further bolsters the Audi’s appeal is its practicality. In front-wheel-drive specification, it offers 276 litres of boot space or a substantial 920 litres with the rear seats down; the comparable MINI Hatch offers just 160 litres and 680 litres respectively, and has a smaller cabin as well. The Citroen DS3 does better than the A1 for outright storage space, but not by much. What’s more, only three-door DS3s are available, like the MINI Hatch, which could prove a limiting factor for some.

The compact A1 also scored the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing when it was launched, and scored higher in both adult and child occupant categories than the Citroen DS3. This makes it a good option for those in need of a small yet safe and high-quality family car.

What's it like to drive?

The fact that the stylish A1 is underpinned by the same platform used in the Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia and SEAT Ibiza might put some off, considering its premium intent and pricing, but it drives in a grown-up and capable fashion, with fast and accurate steering, strong brakes, good body control, competent engines and a refined cabin.

It’s not as nimble or as fun as a MINI, in standard trim, but the Sport model does feel more focused and agile. Where the A1 does falter a little is with regards to ride quality, however, as versions with sportier suspension or bigger wheels can prove a bit harsh. Make sure to test any potential purchase to ensure it’s comfortable enough for you, and for the kind of driving you have in mind.

Despite this, and unlike some other compact hatches, the A1 is a confident-feeling small car on the motorway, which makes long trips easier and less tiring.

Technology, equipment & infotainment

This ease of use is aided by the car’s high-quality cabin, which benefits from supportive seats, clear instrumentation and good equipment levels.

Three trims were offered initially: SE, Sport and S line. All came with air conditioning, electric mirrors, a 6.5-inch media display, remote central locking and alloy wheels. Sport models added bigger wheels, sports suspension and features such as a driver’s information system, while the S line models benefitted from part-leather trim, 17-inch wheels and S line-specific suspension.

While most A1s were two-wheel drive, Audi did introduce an A1 quattro, though rather than a four-wheel-drive version of the standard car (as are most quattro-badged Audis these days), the A1 quattro was a dedicated, limited-run performance model, with white paintwork and alloy wheels, bucket seats, stiff suspension, and a whopping 252bhp from its 2.0-litre turbo engine.

Audi A1 running costs

A conventional Audi A1 shouldn’t cost a huge amount to run; the cars are durable, efficient engines are offered, servicing can be reasonable and parts prices aren’t extortionate. The running costs will unsurprisingly be higher than, say, a hatchback from Hyundai or Toyota, but not extravagantly so.

When new, a 1.2 TFSI model was claimed to average 55.4mpg and emit 118g/km of CO2, which put it into the £30 annual VED band. The more powerful 1.4 TFSI Sport would reputedly average a similar 54.3mpg, when equipped with the seven-speed S tronic gearbox, and emit a slightly higher 122g/km of CO2. That would put it in the higher, but still tolerable, annual VED band of £125.

The most frugal of the line-up was the 1.6-litre TDI, however, which could average a heady 70.6mpg and emitted just 105g/km of CO2, meaning annual VED of just £20. Some later variants would dip below that, too, and cost nothing to tax. Even the highest-emitting regular A1s, however, won’t cost more than £150 to tax.

Opt for the high-performance S1 or A1 quattro and you will pay more for both fuel and VED but, given the performance on offer, the costs are still more than reasonable; a three-door S1 was rated at 40.3mpg and 162g/km of CO2, the latter of which would mean tolerable annual VED of £205. That’s not bad for an all-wheel-drive petrol car that can dash from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds.

Audi does offer fixed-price service plans for its cars, including those over three years old, which can make it easier to keep tabs on running costs. An 18-month service plan, for example, could potentially cost £480 or £26.67 a month. That’s one of the more expensive ways of going about it, though; we’d recommend finding a good Volkswagen Audi Group specialist and using them to keep things more affordable.

Audi A1 reliability

A new A1 came with a three-year, 60,000-mile transferable warranty that was on a par with many a rival offering. The A1 also came with a three-year paint warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty, so there wasn’t a huge amount to worry about.

The main warranty could also be extended up to five years or 90,000 miles, which would further help owners avoid unexpected bills. It wasn’t an expensive option, either, so it made good sense if long-term ownership was the plan.

Audi doesn’t have a superb reputation for reliability, however, so you might need to call upon that warranty or some specialist help at some point. But fortunately, the majority of problems tend to be minor glitches rather than terminal failures. Nevertheless, if costs are a concern, an extended or aftermarket warranty could prove useful.

On the plus side, there has only been one reported recall for a small number of A1s in 2016 that was related to the airbag and belt tensioners not triggering properly. Consequently, it’s worth checking with the dealer or seller if the car in question is affected and if the issue has been resolved.

The earliest first-generation Audi A1s are getting on a bit now, so you’ll have to check carefully for signs of wear and tear; cars that have lived in town, in particular, will need to be inspected for panel and wheel damage.

Diesel versions appear more prone to emissions control and clutch-related issues, too, so make sure the car drives properly and that there are no untoward noises. The 182bhp 1.4 TFSI models can also be troublesome, so they’re best steered clear of.

If you want to cut down on potential fuss, you could consider buying a used Audi A1 from Audi itself. The Approved Used Audi programme offers cars up to eight years old, with up to 100,000 miles on the clock, and they all come with a minimum of 12 months’ warranty. Each car goes through a 149-point check before it is resold and, usefully, other benefits include 12 months’ roadside assistance and a 30-day exchange plan.