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Audi A1 2024 review

Hatchback Petrol

Photo: Damian B Oh (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Audi A1 brings premium badge appeal to the supermini class, and it remains a common sight on UK roads — especially outside schools and universities. Based on the same platform as the VW Polo, it adds sharper styling and a plusher cabin, trading outright value for desirability. For image-conscious young drivers and style-led buyers, it hits a sweet spot.

The engine range is simple: a 1.0 TFSI three-cylinder with 95 or 116 PS, both sweet-revving and economical. The 116 PS version with the S tronic automatic feels genuinely grown-up, cruising quietly at motorway speeds. Inside, the A1 gets Audi's virtual cockpit option, crisp graphics and solid build quality that embarrasses cheaper rivals.

Practicality is supermini-typical: fine for four, tight for five, with a 335-litre boot. Running costs are higher than a Polo's — insurance, servicing and parts all carry the premium-brand tax — but residuals are strong, which helps PCP finance deals. If the badge matters and the budget stretches, the A1 is the classiest small car you can buy.

UK price from: £23,000

Specifications

Engine	1.0 TFSI turbo petrol (999cc)
Power	116 PS
0-60 mph	9.4 seconds
Top speed	126 mph
Fuel economy	47.9 mpg (WLTP combined)
CO2	133 g/km
Boot space	335 litres
Length	4,029 mm
Transmission	7-speed S tronic automatic
Drive	Front-wheel drive

Features

1.0 TFSI turbo petrol engine
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
MMI navigation with 8.8-inch display
LED headlights with dynamic indicators
Pre-sense front safety system
Cruise control with speed limiter
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
16-inch alloy wheels

Common parts & prices

Part	Price (GBP)	Notes
Front brake pads (set)	£32.99	Shared with Polo/Ibiza; wide aftermarket choice
Oil filter	£10.99	Genuine VAG or Mann equivalent
Cabin pollen filter	£13.99	Carbon type; behind glovebox
Front wiper blades (pair)	£20.99	650mm/475mm flat blades
Timing belt kit	£139.99	Due around 5 years; includes water pump option
12V battery	£114.99	AGM for start-stop models

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

Premium badge and strong residuals
High-quality cabin
Refined, economical TFSI engines
Easy to drive and park

Cons

Expensive next to a VW Polo
Rear space is tight
Options inflate the price fast
Firm ride on S line suspension

Frequently asked questions

Is the Audi A1 expensive to insure?

Insurance is pricier than a Ford Fiesta or VW Polo because of the premium badge and repair costs. Young drivers should get quotes before committing — the 95 PS version sits in lower groups and is the sensible choice for new drivers.

Is the Audi A1 worth it over a VW Polo?

Mechanically they are close cousins, so you pay extra mainly for the badge, styling and interior quality. Strong residuals narrow the real-world cost gap on PCP deals. If image matters to you, the premium is justifiable; if not, the Polo is better value.

What MPG does the A1 1.0 TFSI get?

Around 45–48 mpg in mixed driving, with over 50 mpg achievable on motorway runs. The 95 PS manual is the most frugal; the S tronic automatic costs only a couple of mpg.

Is the Audi A1 being discontinued?

Audi has confirmed the A1 will not be replaced when the current generation ends, as the brand moves upmarket and towards electric cars. That makes remaining new and nearly-new A1s potentially smart buys with strong used demand.