Audi A1 2019 in-depth review - Carbuyer

Audi A1 review: [carbyr.uk/2KnLH59
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The new Audi A1 offers more space and technology than any of its predecessors but is it fun enough to compete with the MINI hatchback? Watch our video review as Ginny delivers the verdict on the A1 and its position in the supermini class.
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[@MrTrull1]

Thank you Ginny for being the first journalist I've come across to point out the scam that lots (most?) manufacturers pull regarding paint choice. Infuriating profiteering.

[@docholliday4292]

Agree Toyota with their Years have the standard free paint as red, white is £250! and the other colours £500.

[@kimkiriniki9433]

Another very thorough and practical review, well done.

[@lardy7266]

Congrats for 500k subs

[@georgekornelakis6491]

Why she didn't sit in the back seats to show us the actual space? Really...?How difficult is it?

[@camilogomezkeep2324]

I would not really matter as she is a very short person.

[@stubones]

Given the size of the car, probably quite difficult.

[@redlinethin]

She just isnt Matt =/

[@georgekornelakis6491]

@@redlinethin True...

[@KazanKhan786]

Maybe Audi would charge her couple thousands extra.... Optional. Lol

[@PlanetautoUK]

Every Audi we have tested has been fantastic, can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the new A1 next year.

[@laserjet2000]

OMG! Great changes: for the A1 and for Ginny!! Loved this new style of review!!!!

[@patrickb827]

Very disappointed about the scratchy plastics in the A1, at this price point. And charging extra for all colours except white is outrageous!. You're right, Polo is very similar and a whole lot cheaper. Great video Ginny, as always! You're the car reviewer I most enjoy watching - worldwide! (One tiny gripe, if I may: a grammatical mistake that's spreading like wildfire and, as a linguist, makes my hair stand on end: It should be "from Batch and ME", we can't say "from I". e.g. John and I are waiting for a new video from Batch and me.)

[@dil3038]

First time carbuyer beat car wow on a new car review video!

[@dil3038]

@James Batchelor Don't get me wrong! Being totally impartial here, suppourt both channels👏

[@julianra8059]

Red never looked good on audis

[@adamme8369]

Audi 80 coupe? I think it was spectacular about 25 years ago. Especially in red.

[@realmusicreallife]

J R b6 s4 in red looks sexy

[@gabutman6144]

What about RS5

[@tomjardine100]

Red on any mainstream car looks cheap. White cars, certainly look more sporty and classy

[@ZGeminy]

@@tomjardine100 White cars are boring AF

[@SmallLittleMicky]

Longer, lower, wider - as usual car makers keep increasing their model sizes to make way for a smaller model below it. This A1 is probably as big as a first generation A4 (minus boot) now.

[@tomstudioSLO]

It is a total rip off. Even for basic white color you have to pay around 127 EUR, depends on the country. This is for all the VW-Audi models. Basis free color is only ugly gray. Manufacturer should be ashamed, they already charge a fortune for cars and every decent option. They should at least offer some basic non metallic free colors, like Red, White and Black.

[@KazanKhan786]

Totally agree... I feel Audi are over priced and over rated

[@noahbowie5985]

An argument can be made for silver and grey as standard as well

[@noahbowie5985]

@@KazanKhan786 some of there new high end cars such as the a8 and a7 are quite good and I always have a soft spot for the R8 (the new face lift is stunning) but I agree everything lower than an A5 is quite crap. Particularly the A3 and A4. And I think the q7 is praised far too much. It's an estate car trying to be a top of the range massive SUV and I find the interior really boring compared to the Volvo XC90 and the Land Rover Discovery.

[@KazanKhan786]

@@noahbowie5985 Yes A8 and A7 are quite good. But its sad that companies like Audi only cater for the Elite in society. Now an average Joe has to break the bank for a damn colour on an A1. Thats ridiculous. Glad we have Toyota, Hyundai, Ford and VW etc that cater for everyone.

[@noahbowie5985]

@@KazanKhan786 I agree they're worse than Mercedes.

[@Willhill12345]

I've loved the old a1 for a long time, I used to own a 2014 polo and although they were on the same platform they were both very different cars inside and out. But with the new models i've got a 2018 polo and I can't help but think that there's not much difference between the polo and new A1, I think that audi have been a bit lazy with this model sharing a lot of parts with the polo. Could you do a group test of mini hatch, polo & a1?

[@gregmartyn1976]

Would like to see that or a seat Ibiza VW polo and Audi A1 comparison

[@gx455]

Mini all the way. The A1 feels as cheap as a seat Ibiza. And I'm not kidding I saw both of them the other day. I would go for a VW polo, it offers great value for money

[@CyAn-S]

Really? I went to a dealer as well and thought the audi was quite a bit better than the Polo, let alone the Ibiza. Especially that interior design. The LED head and tallights are really something special in this segment. It only should have been maybe 1-2 grand more expensive than the Polo not the ridiculous amount that it costs now.

[@ast5515]

These do look cheap but so does the Polo. Value for money and VW group cannot be in the same sentence regardless of model you are talking about. Buy a Mini if you have the money, buy a Fiesta if you don't.

[@CyAn-S]

@@ast5515 Cars are not always about value for money. It is about what you want to buy. and what you like. I can't stand the Fiesta except the ST-line. But here in the Netherlands you can only get the 5-door ST-Line one with a 100 Horsepower manual. And that one is a fair bit slower the 115 horsepower DSG that you can get in the Polo. So it is just not worth it for me. Besides that, regardless of the exterior looks of the ST-line, it won't change the fact that I don't like the interior either.

[@ast5515]

@@CyAn-S Cars aren't always about value for money. Sometimes they are about the emotional connection and the desirability. VW group lacks all 3 of these. The Fiesta might no be the best example.

[@ast5515]

@Nemo Nemo All MQB A0 cars have a worse quality than the earlier ones. Plus there is a mistake in the video. This car is based in the MQB A0 but the A3 isn't. So this car is not based on the A3.

[@ariframzan8602]

With most cars the extras do add up in cost . I was considering getting a a1 but not sure as the Audi A3 comes with more things as standard . Still not sure which Audi to go for .

[@zeberday1]

Yet another car with enormous lights and grill and teeny tiny wheels... I thought Audi were going to skip that BMW trend.

[@Leonfr_2022]

My Leon has all metallic colours as no cost!!

[@richb326]

If you think it’s a total rip off buy a polo/fabia/Ibiza! Don’t you think this is exactly what VAG want you to do and have pitched each brand accordingly to cater for all budgets etc?

[@mny8441]

I agree Ginny. Manufacturers should offer at least 2 free colours. Total rip off!!

[@georich93]

They use to offer black or white with the old A1's as standard, I went for "missarno" red which really stands out in a car park that was meant to be £540 but managed to get it down to £360 and have the paint protection on as well

[@technobeacon1702]

Tbh people are just going to buy this for the Audi badge.

[@juancarlosgroman8628]

which doesn't deserve...cheap AF, def not an Audi =/ more like a VW for posers who can't afford an - actually - Audi

[@technobeacon1702]

@@juancarlosgroman8628 it is still an Audi, its just their attempt to please all segments of the market. Not a very attractive attempt though.

[@scoopermg8226]

100% bang on

[@MrRohanThomas]

@@juancarlosgroman8628 I'd rather buy a Volkswagen than an Audi, poorly reliable cars

[@fahadkhalid6944]

A1 without a doubt

[@zynan]

Do the windows in the back doors go all the way down to the rubber strips?

[@arndsan]

yes - I found the colour as an extra ridiculous, but also some other extras especially from the german cars.

[@leeoliver391]

The new Audi naming conventions are numbers which relate to the power outputs in Kwh - the new standard in measuring power. This means they can produce electric and petrol/diesel alike and use the same language to describe the power outputs across their whole range.

[@MrSpartanGameplay]

It looks great!, I would rather a mini though

[@ariframzan8602]

She mentioned it be coming with a 1.5 version -what would the bhp be on that ?

[@wipeout456]

Absolute best premium hatchback out there

[@clipstone]

I had the last version of this car. It had a sort of feel of luxury for a small car. It was reliable. But it wasn't a nice drive. It had no feedback. It was the dullest drive. It looked sort of sporty, but that was where it ended. Apparently, this new model is the same. Top Gear says: "Ride and handling: The best you get from the A1 is competence. There’s no steering feel and no sense that the chassis wants to engage". - I was glad to trade it in.

[@maxnewts]

I really wish this was an ev from the out-set, it just makes way more sense that way!!

[@robertcook2572]

Those back seat rests look nearly vertical; I don't think anyone will want to travel far in those.

[@andy18091]

Thank you ginny. you're right in saying it's mean to offer cars with only one coulour free - having to pay £500 + for other colours. not only that but not everyone wants a white car such as is available with the Audi A1 sportback.

[@chazzftw9313]

I like to think that the ‘basic white’ actually costs audi less, so I like to believe that the colours that cost around £570 are the ‘standard’ colours, however the white is instead, bringing the price down from base.

[@waitingmp]

When it said 30 at the back on the badge, I thought it said 3.0... like it was a 3 litre haha.

[@rovamota]

Premium? You mean ordinary and paintwork showing on the inside door frames from 4:56. Definite sign of cheapness.

[@molliktasrif]

rovamota what else do you recommend at this price?

[@rovamota]

Ginny says in the review that the VW Polo is better value and it is probably a better car, but there are plenty of cars to choose from. This car is an also ran in a crowded sector.

[@Mangofresh2012]

Ginny went from a normal looking mum to a mumble rapper named LIL uZi Gin thanks to her Gucci belt she’s flexing

[@maxnewts]

😂😂

[@Dan-up6do]

It's not only the new engine badges that are confusing. I can't help but think it's an A3, with an A1 badge on the back, which is based on the Polo & if you want it in an actual colour & not a shade i.g. white it'll cost you more. I need a lie-down after that my head hurts. Those little intakes on the bonnet are pure Sport Quattro though, so they're right about that. But are they real ? #NoFakeVents

[@MegaHekate]

Ginnyeous review :)

[@yahoodlums]

Just get a Polo and save a bunch of cash on the badge.

[@MrRohanThomas]

it literally looks the same as the new polo

[@forza223bowe5]

Covert Person It will be, given that it’s owned by the VAG group

[@saintetienne755]

Look at you Ginny - ya lil vixen !!! WOOF

[@ACS607]

Oh dear, has Audi put the rear quarter light window as an option? It's standard on an Ibiza and Polo. I've seen a photo somewhere of a base model A1 with steel wheels and no radio. It looked truly awful!

[@js986]

There's no 3 door variant, enough to rule this out for me!

[@cte4dota]

S1 will be pocket rocket!

[@korgond]

Audi does great job

[@ruicvt]

Based on the A3?? 17" wheels??

[@cmagennis927]

MINI please, purely because it DOES come with a Diesel engine. The only type of engine I’ll ever buy.

[@Mike500]

White is the cheapest color, look at all the white vans... i've read that it has the least coating thickness. Plus, many other colors on the market are metallic, which is at least 400 EUR more expensive.

[@ast5515]

White also rusts first because it's the least thick. Just look at the Mercedes Sprinters from 10 years ago.

[@forza223bowe5]

White cars get very dirty especially in winter. The only good thing is white reflects heat, so it’s a lot nicer in summer

[@jaysprules7262]

Mini is a no go a1! Yes please!!! But i love the new polo good to drive, spacious and good value for money in segment for quality

[@camilogomezkeep2324]

She concluded best. If you want a small luxury car get the Mini, if not, get the Polo. The VW it's prettier either way.

[@triswonder1239]

If I have to buy a german city car it will be the mini or the skoda scala or the vw polo

[@CC-hy6se]

Really liked the first A1 when it came out, and like a lot of Audi models it held its looks over the years. But this new A1 and Audi in general are not impressing me as much as they used to. Similar to BMW over the past 8 years.

[@jamesbrown997]

how does the media work apart from the radio you missed it

[@YonePepe]

the interior looks so very good ! damn that said im really surprised there isnt soft touch anywhere

[@Olliebobalong]

Thats not true. There is on the dash. Lower down there isn't but considering kids will be bashing them with shoes and they are more prone to scuffs, does it matter?

[@Andy-zi1wj]

@@Olliebobalong yes it matters for the high price the car is.

[@Olliebobalong]

Andy venn but it still isn’t expensive for what you get; a very practical car, full digital drivers display, a car which will hold most value after a few years compared to rivals

[@Andy-zi1wj]

@@Olliebobalong since vag lied to everyone about emissions and have lost many ££££ in doing so are now giving you a lower quality car for a higher price polo t roc a1 and q2 but in general all cars are now very overpriced

[@forza223bowe5]

Hard plastics stand the test of time far better

[@andy18091]

what is it with car manufacturers that offer cars with large load lips and don't have adjustable boot floors?

[@philnewcombe7545]

If you want a luxury hatchback, the new A class is the one to buy

[@eroche913]

The 3-door of the previous gen will go down as a design classic. This one looks terrible. Apart from that, the lack of a 3-door will kill its sales

[@sequentialgear]

I agree, the previous gen looks better on the outside, and I have to say, the interior looks so much better as well, less complicated, with great soft touch plastics. I can't believe there aren't soft touch plastics on the new one... All in all, the new A1 made me consider a 2nd hand first gen A1!

[@CyAn-S]

@@sequentialgear The only thing is. this one has soft touch plastics (only on the dash though, so I kind of get it), and I doubt that no 3-door version would kill any sales. Otherwise why would you think almost every manufacturer is killing them. Probably because the costs of making different version is not worth it.

[@VolvoMetal]

Lack of 3 door will kill the sales? They removed 3 door variants from more or less all the new hatches because they are down to like 5-10% of the sales, simply not worth making two different bodies when so few buy them.

[@georich93]

Lack of 3 door will kill sales?...... Almost every car manufacturer is now not making 3 door variants because the sales of the 5 doors are higher than the 3 door.....

[@MLife1972]

Kudos to Mazda for giving all colours (except for Soul Red) for no added cost.

[@diogovieira3362]

Ah, someone with hate towards bad interior quality! I like that!

[@InteriorDesignAnderson]

I don’t get the way the badge there cars, a 2:0 litter is badges as a 50 TDI......... 😐

[@KazanKhan786]

Lol😂

[@BlitzkriegRap]

So people think you have a V6 in your A1 lol.

[@lowkey3797]

50 tdi is a 3.0 liter, 40 tdi is a 2.0 liter. Its because companies are getting more power out of smaller engines with new technology and especially with the future of electric and hybrid engines coming into play the new naming system will help people understand the power output of each vehicle.

[@ast5515]

@@lowkey3797 The proper way to do it would be something like [horsepower][fuel]. So this A1 would be a 115TFSI. This way it's understandable.

[@lowkey3797]

@@ast5515 that just looks silly

[@PaulHojda]

Wait, this is suppose to be a supermini?? It's massive! Looks as big as a Golf

[@scoopermg8226]

The Emperor's new clothes/Audi.

[@JackKing12.]

What’s the deal with numbering ‘30’ or ‘40’ TFSI??? I have no foggiest idea...anyone??

[@tbear4291]

Full support for naming and shaming.

[@grosniaco]

yes..A1 over mini!

[@robertmarsh3588]

I enjoyed this review though Ginny does love saying "pretty"! Re the A1: all those lovely interiors referred to (and seen in publicity shots) don't appear on the UK configurator I can access on my smartphone at all. I really like the look of this car but the cost is off-putting; add reasonable options and it'll be dearer than an A3, let alone a Golf or a Polo. Which reminds me, just when is that 1.5TSI Polo coming? VAG needs to try a bit harder imo. This car, and a 1.5TSI Polo was on my list, but either through availability or cost they've counted themselves out. Checkout Autotrader to see how much a decently specced 1.0TSI 30 is... £30k! Madness. Sorry Audi, you won't be getting my cash.

[@MegaVector2011]

Virtual cockpit? Don't bother, mine went wrong on my A3 within a month. Audi have still not resolved the problems. Give that gimmick a wide berth.

[@gabutman6144]

It's basically VW Polo with AUDI badge

[@AX-po7ej]

That’s probably the most unoriginal comment I’ve ever heard.

[@alfredtomey]

Not only this: is a posh VW Polo, many thousand pounds more expensive for the same stuff. A total rip-off for a total showoff. Just to have four OOOO on the bonnet 😂

[@EinkOLED]

Or a skoda fabia

[@forza223bowe5]

I would rather buy a Ford Fiesta or seat ibiza

[@Leonfr_2022]

Why have they gone with the new number strategy!! It’s so confusing just call it a 1.0t 115!!

[@IIIxwaveIII]

We all need to name and shame fake exhausts, it’s most annoying thing ever

[@jigrodrigues]

No 3 door version?

[@TheDeviljohngr]

Dont know about the car but i would definetely drive her on QUATRO mode!!

[@air911cooled]

It just looks conservative and stale. My first impression was "five year old Kia" especially the rear. And Ginny, I agree with you all the way down: to offer one standard color is not just mean, it's an absolute impudence. So - Mini all the way (said by someone who really can't stand F56/F55 gen and didn't buy it - after owning 5 Minis from 2002 to 2015)

[@pablojbressan2260]

Waiting for Audi A1 Coupê and Audi A1 Sedan 👍

[@gadjox]

The outside looks like a hyundai, the inside like some cheap sci-fi set. All the possible random angles are there.

[@keithisaacs6092]

I'd like to see Ginny in a mini before i make judgement joking apart looks ok but your paying over the odds for the Audi badge rather have a VW polo or seat ibiza.

[@Sr.D]

The ibiza looks sportier and sexier, the same car, better looking and cheaper, with the fr trim looks better than the a1 s line.

[@deraiobrien4655]

Sr. D thank you bro!🙏🏽, the Audi a1 is a very nice small car but I say Ibiza is more better value depends what trim you go for and the insurance is a lot cheaper. In the other hand the VW polo or golf is really good to buy because they are reliable cars and have more options without being more expensive like audi a1.

[@Fastwunz]

they arent 17 inch wheels are they?

[@hydrogen699]

I watch you for the unique vibes however I watch mat Watson for its literal purposes📛

[@TechnologyBlogged]

Offering only white as a standard colour is racist and non-inclusive. Black, brown, yellow and grey for the non-binaries is essential not to cause offence.

[@s559tja]

Brilliant. So original as well

[@oddone_]

OK. This is epic.

[@MrRohanThomas]

I am offended, I am gonna report this video now

[@honghaoliu5548]

What about us blue people?

[@georgmurmann5407]

I used to wash my hands with a similar "Stück Seife".... The VAG has created merely one more car, that's all. The global trend to build nice gadgets instead of automobiles seems to be the same for all brands nowdays.

[@MrEddieJammer]

100% Mini all the way. My family have been BMW all the way, I just can't step away from the company.

[@amoddedblueteslap100d7]

@Eddison R then why you here then?

[@ssdivizion]

For the price even basic model should have standard metallic paint and alloy wheels!

[@seb.]

Even the more expensive Q2 is full of scratchy plastics... That new A1 dashboard though... Did they get a designer from Honda or what?!

[@andrearlieth2711]

By no means a fair way to market the "affordable" Audi a1 . The VW group really needs to up their game

[@docholliday4292]

Would go for a VW Polo or a Seat Ibiza every time over this.

[@tomasribeiro8020]

Quite a lot of people here saying that this car looks bland... Seriously have you seen a properly speced one? How can you call that bland?

[@GISJIng]

Agreed. Such a rip off to charge for paint colour.

[@joshstreet3919]

MINI all the way

[@BMH1965]

Good independent report. Bad news if the A1 is based on the A3 as the this is a 7 year old design. A 3 year old Golf would be a better buy. I will never understand why people pay for the badge on any car less than the mid range A4/MB C-class/BMW 3-series - anything smaller from the same brands are just not worth the premium price when compared to the competition from Hyundai/VW/Honda/Toyota/etc.

[@billstirini4368]

AUDI, IF I WANT A HOT PINK A1, I WANT IT AT NO EXTRA COST! WHAT’S GOOD?

[@christoskouligkas9796]

Nice Gucci belt!!!

[@MilosCsrb]

Record in 4k please

[@lesleydavies2988]

I would have a top spec Seat Ibiza

[@monsieurleloure6455]

Mini for sure...

[@paultasker7788]

From this video it looks like plastics have been downgraded. The old A1 had plastics a grade up from a polo. This seems to be the same grade and similar to a fiesta for quality. Doesn't feel premium despite all the tech. Audi's USP it's interiors seem to be slipping a little. The A2 looks smarter.

[@leeku7768]

500K subs for Ginny.

[@mickdaly6537]

Bang on the paint colour is a rip off when you factual in the price between metallic and non metallic is almost same these days so makes no sense

[@ThemisBliouras]

Why you didn't mention fuel consumption and Why you didn't sit on the back in this "in-depth" review??

[@pb5x5]

All colours should be stadard as there no way they will be paying the paint companies different amounts for different colours. Ok may be chromaflare effects might cost a little more (like what TVR used to do).

[@heranguo5547]

just wonder if 1.0t is enough…

[@maxnewts]

It doesn’t weigh much so yes, it is

[@jackscoter9775]

where is this forest ?

[@joelbielecki3501]

save the money and get an ibiza it’s the same car except looks better and is reasonably priced