Audi A1 Review
- Performance & Drive
- Trim, Options & Interior
- Boot & Space
- Versions & Spec
- Cost & Affordability
- The Verdict
Overview
When it comes to getting car finance for a hot hatch, you can often be spoilt for choice. Most likely, you’ll be torn between the likes of the Ford Focus, BMW 1 Series, a Volkswagen Polo, or even a Seat Leon. Well, if you’re tempted to apply for used Audi A1 finance, you're in the right place. This review will rate the Audi A1 in four categories: performance and drive, space and interior, trim options, and price and affordability. We’ll also be giving an overall verdict out of a possible five stars.
The Audi A1 is often purchased by young professionals, or those just looking for an affordable yet stylish run-around. It has been labelled an upmarket version of the VW Polo, so if you think they look similar, you’re not alone! The A1 could be seen as a designer Polo, at least where the Technik and Sport variants are concerned.
Quick facts at a glance:
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Available Trims: |
5 |
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Available Engines: |
5 |
|
Available Door Option: |
5 doors |
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Available Fuel Types: |
Petrol |
Performance & Drive
The Audi A1 has offered a few different engine options throughout its history, including a one litre three-cylinder engine with 94bhp, available with a five and six speed manual or seven speed S tronic automatic transmission. The Sport and S-Line variants are also available with a 1.5 litre seven speed S tronic automatic.
Older S-Line models with 1.6 and 2.0 litre manuals used to be on offer, but these have now been discontinued. If you want a used A1 that packs a bit more of a punch, be sure to check out the models available on our car search.
What’s it like to drive? Well, with regards to the suspension and drive, it’ offers a smooth and controlled ride, especially by small car standards. The Technik and Sport trims, which come fitted with 16-inch wheels and standard suspension, deal with urban roads well and can even cope with a pothole or two!
Off the line speed test:
|
Variant: |
Technik |
Sport |
S-Line |
Black Edition |
Vorsprung |
|
0-62mph |
9.2s |
7.7s |
7.7s |
7.7s |
7.7s |
In conclusion, in terms of performance and drive, we’d give the Audi A1 4/5.
Trim, Options & Interior
The A1 offers six variants with various trim levels and optional extras. Kicking us off is the entry level Audi A1, the Technik. The A1 Technik features 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and rear lamps, an 8.8-inch colour touchscreen and Audi’s smartphone interface. There are several used A1 Technik’s available on our car search priced between £16,000 - £18,695.
One level up is the A1 Sport, which has larger 16-inch turbine style alloys, sports seats in the front, parking sensors in the rear, cruise control, and additional exterior sports styling.
The S Line offers 17” ‘5-twin-spoke’ design alloy wheels, sport suspension, the S line exterior styling pack, and an LED Interior Lighting Pack.
The Black Edition comes with even bigger 18" alloy wheels in Anthracite black gloss, a contrast roof in Mythos Black, black exterior styling pack, and privacy glass.
With the new Vorsprung edition, Audi seem to be trying to make their own niche in the market with a new high quality trim level. Adding that additional luxury class to a hatch may seem unusual - and it is - but it works well. In addition to the S line features, Vorsprung trim highlights include 18” 5-double-arm design alloy wheels in a matt titanium look, a black styling pack, front sport seats in Alcantara/leatherette, MMI navigation plus with touch control, and the fantastic Audi virtual cockpit.
Overall, there are a good range of trim variants and a long list of optional extras available. The materials used are of good quality, smart, and look very sporty, especially in the black edition. However, some of the features in the Technik and S-Line are comparable with the VW Polo and Golf, which may come at a cheaper price point.
So, in terms of options and trim, we give the Audi A1 4/5.
Price & Affordability
Let’s get straight to the point here, the price, value for money and general affordability of the Audi A1 is what can let the model down in comparison to other hatchbacks.
However, the A1 is intended to be one of the premium offerings in the hatchback market. And the A1 faces tough competition from other premium hatch offerings, including the Mini Cooper, BMW 1 Series and VW Polo. That being said, considering the range of trim options across each brand, the A1 comes out on an equal footing. However, the cost vs. quality ratio swings in the A1’s favour when compared with the Seat Ibiza and Ford Focus, which both offer less in terms of quality and style.
It’s well known that Audi shares its A1 manufacturing blueprint with the Volkswagen Polo with near enough the same chassis. When directly comparing the Polo S, SE, SE Design variants to the A1 Technik, Sport and S-Line, you might struggle to find any major differences. However, there’s a whopping £4,625 price difference between the A1 Technik and VW S. Let’s see how the standard Audi A1, VW Polo, and Mini Cooper compare:
New & Used Price Comparison
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Audi A1 |
VW Polo |
Mini Cooper |
|
Technik
|
S
|
S
|
Correct as of May 2021.
The 247 Verdict
Overall, the Audi A1 is a fantastic car and potentially one of the most desirable hatchbacks on the market. In terms of price, you should also consider the cheaper VW Polo as an alternative that could help you keep those costs down without compromising on a quality driving environment. The trim levels on offer are great and the drive is smooth yet firm on bumpy roads.
So, time for our final verdict. Drumroll please! Our overall rating for the Audi A1 is... 4/5.
Looking For Used Audi A1 Finance?
We have over 1,300 used Audi A1’s in our car search. Get a used Audi A1 finance quote today. Rates from 7.9% APR. Representative APR 21.9%.
All figures are correct as of May 2021.