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Expert Rating

Audi A1

(2018 – present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

70
%
B

Used car score:

75
%
A

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

61
%
D

Safety Rating:

75
%
B

Eco Rating:

68
%
A

Reliability Rating:

70
%
C

Running Costs:

75
%
B

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

70
%
B

Used car score:

75
%
A

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

61
%
D

Safety Rating:

75
%
B

Eco Rating:

68
%
A

Reliability Rating:

70
%
C

Running Costs:

75
%
B

Summary

The Audi A1 is a small five-door hatchback, available in regular (A1 Sportback) or crossover (A1 Citycarver) body styles. The current A1 is the second generation, which was launched in the UK in late 2018.

Unlike the original A1, there is no three-door version of the current model and there are no diesel-engined versions. As yet, there are also no higher-performance S1 or RS 1 models.

Generally, the Audi A1 Sportback has received positive reviews from the UK motoring media. Its Expert Rating score of B (70%) as of January 2025 also reflects decent running costs and low exhaust emissions. It rates even better as a used car, with a Used Car Expert Rating score of A (75%).

The A1 has been particularly praised for its comfort and technology, but isn’t as enjoyable to drive as its main rival, the Mini hatch.

The (now discontinued) A1 Citycarver also scored poorly compared to the regular A1 Sportback models, particularly because of its high price, which drags down the media rating scores for the overall A1 range.

Audi A1 highlights

  • More comfortable than most superminis
  • Loads of advanced tech from more expensive Audis
  • Great residual values

Audi A1 lowlights

  • Can’t match a Mini for driving dynamics
  • Citycarver model not worth the money
  • No electrified models available

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £20,840 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2018
Last updated: Autumn 2019
Replacement due: TBA

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Company Car Today

+

Daily Mirror

+

Green Car Guide

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Motoring Research

+

Motors

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 73%
Safety assist: 80%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2025, the Audi A1 has not been assessed by Green NCAP. If the A1 is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Audi A1 has a reliability score that’s about average, according to exclusive workshop data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation A1 and the original (pre-2018) version.

The most commonly reported problems with the A1 relate to its suspension, with an average repair bill of about £350. Engines can also cause problems, and average about £700 to repair. Other areas to look out for are the braking and electrical systems, although the average bills for these are again fairly low. Be aware of gearbox problems, however, – although rare, they are expensive with an average repair bill of more than £2,000.

If you’re looking at a used Audi A1, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models50 mpgB40 – 53 mpgB – D
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models128 g/kmA120 – 158 g/kmA – C
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models18A14 – 31A – C
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£174A
Year 2£482A
Year 3£781A
Year 4£996A
Year 5£1,341A
Overall£3,774A

The Audi A1 should fairly cheap to run on a daily basis, according to data supplied by our technical partner Clear Vehicle Data.

Only available with a petrol powertrain, the A1 offers a decent average fuel efficiency of 48 mpg, which makes it slightly thirstier than rivals like the Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia and Ford Fiesta. Like those rivals though, the hatchback’s insurance premiums should be pretty affordable.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Audi A1, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Citroën C3 | Ford Fiesta | Mazda 2 | Mini hatch | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Volkswagen Polo

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The Audi A1 has received positive media reviews, with praise for its comfort and technology. The A1 Citycarver version disappoints, however.Audi A1