Audi A1 hatchback review - CarBuyer

Audi A1 hatchback 2014 review: bit.ly/1eBSvVN
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The A1 is the smallest and cheapest new Audi on sale today but don't think that means the German firm has compromised its focus on quality in any way. All of the trademark Audi values, including comfort, luxury and impeccable build quality are present, making the A1 a credible rival to the MINI, Citroen DS3 and Alfa Romeo MiTo. The good news is because it's slightly newer and more expensive than all its rivals, exclusivity is guaranteed.
Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_we...

[@dztrader]

9 years later i have finally bought it

[@omartampa5476]

She steel looks good in 2020

[@kevinshen7367]

Algerian T ayee same

[@frjazz7677]

I m considering it lately, it just looks so good for 4000£

[@dztrader]

Fr jazz i paid £7000 for mine. 5 door sline. Worth every penny. I will possibly keep it for a long time. Longer than the time i waited to buy one

[@stephaniebertels7944]

Me 2 haha

[@xFlowRS]

I own A1 1.6 TDI, ECU tuned, currently at 143 horsepower (8 seconds for 0-100 km/h, goes over 220 km/h). Fuel consumption is 5-6 L in the city (around 50 MPG). Great car, I love it. Perfect for big city, would recommend to anyone who's considering it.

[@franthekunek]

I currently have a Octavia Combi 1.6 TDI 105 and I'm not happy with the power (obviously). I plan on getting the Mini Cooper SD because it's a 2.0 but i much prefer the facelift A1 1.6 TDI. Will I be happy with the power as I will in the Cooper SD?

[@dcsMagazine]

@@franthekunek Not as playful as a mini. However, it it nippy, and great on MPG. 200 miles round trip can be done on motorway for £20

[@Buttery93]

Hey FLowRS! I have the opportunity to buy a 1.6tdi with 60.000 km's for 10k (euro's). WOuld you recommend tuning? Any regrets? Thanks in advance!

[@xFlowRS]

@@Buttery93 Do it, no regrets at all. I currently drive A3 8V. Tuned from 150HP to 193HP and 438Nm... Goes like crazy, better than GTD, fuel consumption is the same as before (I get 7-9 in the city, 4-6 on the highway and 4-5 on the back roads). Same applies to 1.6 TDI, that's the best thing you can do to that engine, stage 1 literally transforms the car.

[@SYmotgang]

@@xFlowRS no problems with the tune? I have the A1 1.6 TDI, but i've heard the engines internals are kinda weak (build for economy), a tuner in sweden also only tunes it to 133, not 140 as all other tunes. When asked why, they said because the turbo can get problems if pushed to 140.. At the same time the same engine in the skoda and Vw forums all praise tuning it to 140. i'm so unsure what to do.

[@jackbridger7557]

I have a c1 atm and I really want one of these

[@CharmySi]

First time owning an Audi A1 and I am very satisfied . Sporty looking car , reasonable when it comes to tax, insurance and fuel consumption. It is a perfect stylish car for the urban life style and fits in small parking spots in town and parking houses. By the way surely you will not buy an A1 when you want to put people in the rear seating... but it is perfectly alright when you give friends a lift who are modestly sized concerning body height. Of course it has a higher price tag compared to a Polo or other cars. But if you decide to buy a premium car you have to expect premium pricing.

[@cristoles]

Dios santo que joven hermoso estaba carwow, ahora esta como los vinos este señor, gracias por todo carwow🫶🏻

[@zszs100]

@carbuyer Nice review. When will this car be available for sale in Canada???

[@LRS905]

The car is a beauty. I was looking at one today, the 3 door version, and the only bad part is the back! My height is 1.68 mts. and while sitting in the back my head touches the frame for the back door, no matter how I try to seat. Don´t know if it changes in the Sportback version for the A1, but it would be a great car for someone who doesn´t need to carry people that often, almost never. I drive an A3 Sportback and love it, and if I had a lot of money and needed a second car, this would be it.

[@itzblacknred]

does it have an auto transmission version or just manual one?

[@XDepicFISH]

what are running costs like? (tax/MPG/servicing/repairs etc)

[@Ahappylizard]

does anybody know what the release day for this is in the us

[@DJzSith]

To owners of the A1. Does your read "door" make noise. The one on my car does, even after I adjusted those rubber screws. Any solutions?

[@MrHubb1]

did anyone else notice the ipod connection in the glove box seems ridiculous ? Are you meant to drive along with the glove box open so you can change tracks?

[@albano9675]

I agree with all he said especially the steering giving low feedback hence low confidence when driving fast. But very gd car

[@DeterminedFC]

can someone advise me wether to get the 1.6td or the 1.2??

[@ralphsaad8637]

My mum bought an A1, and while it certainly gives a feel of good quality at first, reality proved us wrong quite quickly. After only 4000 Km, we had to repair the screen... for the 3rd time!! One of the front lights and one of the rear lights also died at 3.8 Km. Finally, the Bluetooth system was not working from the start! So overall, it feels like a solid and fun car to drive at first, but it gets faulty very quickly. God help us when the warranty goes off! I would recommend a more reliable and more capable car for the same price. Audi, BMW, Mercedes... these are just names and recently, the increasing number of complaints about reliability problems with these cars is starting to raise concerns. Is German quality just a myth? My dad for instance has a 2014 Nissan altima and he has no complaints whatsoever at 40 Km. The difference in quality is startling.

[@peterfi.]

Have you considered importing ?

[@philipcampbell6028]

Getting this when older love these cars

[@MCJimboy10]

Did you get one?

[@ArmandoHerFlo]

Its like really weird that in Mexico its available since 2010 and it is still not in the US market!! I have already my A1 and its amazing!

[@Astoldbylexc]

When will this be in the US

[@OCMMA86]

I want to buy my first car and still I have not decided between the a1 and a Peugeot 207, both cars are pretty good, I have been inside of them in driving tests. The 207 has a better equipment and a lower price round €2000 less against the a1 (by the way, I'm mexican and the price difference is translating the mexican peso to euro), but the a1 is a premium car that really has good back seats, I'm 1.80m tall and is a decent space for me. What car will you suggest me to buy?

[@dennisjonkristensen]

Hey there is also the A1 in the sportback version with 5 doors

[@PedroTRamos1]

You DONT want to be in the backseat of this car if youre 180cm. Trust me ive been there

[@wolfperson1997]

Why

[@gbafulwa8114]

True

[@Yosoyke]

woow , a review in the sun :D amazing audi :D

[@Emil-Roma]

@wilsonredjj Well this one and the DS3 have to be compared to a Mini, they cost roughly the same and they are both the same type of car, since they were designed to compete in that specific segment, so comparisons to a Mini are understandable. Which one would you rather have? By the way.

[@dunti21]

@FSXgta I have one and have done some lengthly trips. It really feels like a bigger car when you drive, so it holds the road wonderfully unlike other small cars which might feel a bit unstable. So it's not tiring at all to drive on long trips.

[@MyHatz1]

is this is this just the audi A1 or is it the audi A1 sportback?

[@ArmandoHerFlo]

@OperationXD I dont know but it seems that until 2013, but a weird thing is that here in Mexico it is already available sicne 2010!

[@subaruWRC19]

I hope to sse the review from the AUDI A1 SPORTBACK soon ! :)

[@dalezyboy911]

helpful review ...thanks

[@Ngamer834]

You'd expect it to be more upmarket considering the price compared to more practical rivals.

[@caustic279]

My step mum has one and it's good the seats are good but the suspension is quite stiff but the great thing is is that it is very spacious I'm 10 and 4 11' probably now and i have a lot of head and leg room

[@tottorookokkoroo5318]

+NotQuiteFishFPS Well yeah, you have a lot of room in all cars lol

[@caustic279]

+töttöröö kökköröö no like 10-20cm or leg and head room which is TONNES

[@OCMMA86]

@MrHubb1 Don't tell me you never have heard about MDI Systems, When you plug the iPod in the glove box, you can control it since the radio!!!

[@Jose-Sousa]

@215alessio, last time I check Audi A1 didn't have the 3 cyl diesel ... also... even the 3 cyl diesel used in the polo 1.2 TDI greenline (the last one, not the previously made one that came from a Lupo) is pretty silent (considering it is a diesel) ... but yes... too expensive, Seat Ibiza and VW Polo are better options given the price. Also, if one considers the old chassis used in Polo's and Ibiza's previous generation, Skoda Fabia beats them in price (while having the same engine)

[@Netho1995]

In Australia, due to the Luxury Car Tax a brand new Porsche Boxster costs $110,000 AUD

[@larri17100]

audi is really good and has the super quality materials..

[@Emil-Roma]

@CR4YO I´m guessing It will arrive to Canada soon, since it has already arrived to Mexico (it was one of the first countries to receive the A1), and the U.S will soon follow, so I imagine Canada will get it in mid 2012. Best of luck getting it by the way!

[@pollumG]

@pollumG well aston drop top oozes style and professionalism. good luck!!

[@kikess0123]

I totally agree with this review!

[@RyguyCC]

@GrahamCrackers94 audi has said theyre considering bringing it to north america for 2015

[@Jose-Sousa]

@215alessio Just to make sure I just checked: In my country Audi A1 has only 1.2/1.4 TFSI and 1.6 TDI engines (no 3L), cheapest one costs 19500€ Also, here, the most powerful Fiat Punto Evo has is the 1.3 Multijet Sport 95hp, it is a good engine and quite economic, costs 19500€ In comparison, Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI 105Hp base model costs 13500€ Some insurance companies rate the Fiat Punto Evo and Fiat Grand Punto as one of the less reliable cars to buy (I blame the past Punto's generations).

[@Anonymous-wk9zg]

1:51 or 2:00 - Does anyone know what make and model that watch is?

[@dcsMagazine]

Get an android smart watch. Unlike the apple watch, the android version is a proper device, and with a sim it can be a phone and tether point. On ebay they are going for as little as £68. Virtually any playstore app will work, albeit on a 400x400 screen, alhough you can zoom past the circular shape.

[@mr_nukem]

im 18, and my audi a1 comes in next week :D

[@dcsMagazine]

Looking back, now you are 26ish, how was it? Any major problems?

[@dztrader]

I just bought mine. It took me 9 years to save for it

[@anthonytan2074]

Hey are you Malaysian

[@revoltrax]

Yo dude, you alive? How was the experience with A1?

[@mr_nukem]

@@revoltrax I had it for a year before I upgraded to a BMW 328i. Looking back it was a decent daily car to drive, easy to park. It can get annoying though if you have passengers and need to move the car seats back and forth. I would suggest getting the 4 door. Another thing I didn't like was the turbo lag, wasn't the smoothest.

[@DeterminedFC]

@cilvrado its a size evryone can relate to..evlar 2 litre bottle of water is so we can cmpare

[@TheLostSurveyor]

@pollumG Those are some excellent choices. But as a business professional I need to be a little more conservative in my selection. Though the Aston is definitely still an option. As is the Bentley Continental. Whatever I end up with. It will definitely be a convertible. Living in San Diego makes that a moral imperative. As far a the A1 goes. I'm a petrolhead. I read about all kinds. Since I'm still stuck at home in recovery and will be for a while. It's something to pass the time.

[@mlps93]

theres 5 door avaliable soon in some markets

[@amrshalbi1]

Very good man

[@aleterra]

yeah, in the end, money is really important :(

[@giocd1237]

I want this car too! so chic

[@AnsisX]

it fits in it too i drove one

[@joshieboi005]

Love this car. Audi is the best ever.

[@vikki2309]

I love this

[@theUltimist]

@laskonstas totaly agreed with you that you cant compare german wwith french cars, tho the only french car i would ever trust is peugeot, they have been making some good changes and producing quality, im happy i could chare my experience ;)

[@emotivesoloing]

@hello9949 Nope. VW Polo is much cheaper here in India($13,023 USD) cos its assembled here locally but Audi a1 is a complete imported package. Costs about 42,662 USD. Audi however has a production plant in India but they r assembling A4, A6, Q7 etc but no A1 as of yet. If they do, much cheaper and a tough competition for other premium small car brands.

[@Lanciarules]

The rear resembles '90s Opel Astra

[@mitsoulas93]

@outlander131 Ehmm... Volvo, Opel (Vauxhall), BMW (same prices as Audi), Alfa Romeo and many more.

[@toyota420xp]

A1 or mini

[@TheCarArchives96]

the engine on the 2010-present Audi A1 Engine 1.2 L TFSI 63 kW I4 petrol 1.4 L TFSI 90 kW I4 petrol 2.0 L TFSI 188 kW I4 petrol 1.6 L TDI 77 kW I4 diesel 2.0 L TDI 105 kW I4 diesel

[@TheLostSurveyor]

@pollumG Of course I appreciate it. But it's also not an all or nothing prospect with me anymore. Since breaking my neck among other things in a very bad accident. Comfort has moved waaay up the list. But but it still has to handle well and have power. I'm thinkin an SL65. I may be gettin older but I ain't dead yet. :)

[@samjones6301]

Getting this as 1st car

[@pablojbressan2260]

Waiting for Audi A1 Coupê and Audi A1 Sedã

[@MrCami1234]

did anyone think of the fiat 500?

[@TheCfyzz]

Nice video. Would you like to have another video?

[@andylie7699]

No

[@nicologarcia]

what VW platform is this car based from? :)

[@foxtrot_oscar]

Golf

[@alecjones665]

Actually it is based on the Polo. The A3 is based on the Golf.

[@yojgee]

I want this car. :(

[@EddieLolz3r]

Pick one thing -Fun to drive -Comfy

[@Tuxie]

At least in Sweden it's available as a 5-door now.

[@TheLostSurveyor]

@pollumG Actually I am an American. But I drive everything I own to it's limits. I also love going out and driving the hidden mountain roads here in Southern California with absolutely no destination in mind, but the drive. I simply don't like the arbitrary comments of some auto reviewers. I doubt half of them, not to mention their audience, know what "steering feedback" is. Except that it's something that makes themselves appear more knowledgable when talking about it.

[@petrolpower96]

Nice vw polo

[@tanaykhandelwal6803]

Does it have LEDs

[@Pete762]

not as standard

[@tanbravean]

No, you can only get bi-xenon, but Leds are available for the S1

[@DJzSith]

The golf 6 is really good, but cant touch the a1 in terms of interior

[@timewartimelocked]

I don't care it just looks sooooo good!!!

[@ColteeYT]

I'm sorry i didn't know the cars were so expensive there... i hope i helped out.

[@Genn_Caprioli]

the mini-killer from ingolstadt!

[@cilvrado]

why are you so obsessed with space for water??

[@aniskii]

i wish i could afford this as my first car!

[@jaymiah2706]

Hello I replied to your comment just remind you that you’ve left a comment 10 years ago😅 hope u doing welll

[@19alexander95]

Skoda Fabia have a diesel engine with 3,4l/100km(!!), Skoda have more economical cars, Skoda has great cars btw!!!

[@manyakols9]

get the a1. they come in 5door too

[@Danial0152]

It's just a Seat Ibiza with an Audi badge. No joke

[@TheCarArchives96]

the 2010-present Audi A1 is assembled in Brussels, Belgium

[@maxichui]

So you are saying a Lamborghini Gallardo is a expensive version of Audi R8 since Audi owns Lamborghini? A Ferrari is a expensive version of Fiat?

[@FSXgta]

Car looks good, but it is too small for long trips. I think...

[@theUltimist]

@laskonstas thats the same thing my friend thought, now he has the car for almost an year and he had to bring it in to the garage like almost every 2 months, then again my uncle has the c5 full option, its a verry nice car except he has the same problem as my friend bring it in allot, as i say citroen is no quality its full bugs and cheap materials, unlike the audi, dont get me wrong i dont say the audi is perfect, but i rather spend an extra 2000 on a real car, then a unfinished car

[@ThePimz123]

@xor2g haha, yeah, the A1 is a nice car. I personally don't like the A3, especially the look if it. I'm dying to get an A4, though, haha. They look frkn awesome

[@KarumiTao]

yeah this audi, is the only small car i've seen you can seat on the back XD ,(well except for bmw series 1 )mini: don't think of it fiat 500: not a good idea

[@kamiltoktas4897]

I travelled for 40 minutes at the rear seat of this car and it was ridiculous. I am 180 tall and I had to actually keep my head bent all the time. Very bad at the rear seat. I was expecting him to make a big point out of it.

[@ScottPC]

Kamil Toktas I'm 5'10 and I had to bend to the centre of the car to stop my head touching the roof haha.

[@jamiroquai01fan]

Prefer the Citroen DS3. Like the Audi but it just looks a bit bland.

[@adimadmanz]

why are you comparing audi a1 with a polo and skoda ina audi with 1.4 you get turbocharged engine with 185bhp i you can get that in polo and skoda but at the same price as audi and i would go for audi i mean it is an audi

[@ArmandoHerFlo]

@road2stamfordbridge They do in Latin America ;)

[@215alessio]

@Knightrider03 n have a punto 1.3 JTD my life for 10.000 euro with cash for clunglers some have old punto's of 15 years or older reliable ennough I think The punto Racing 85 hp costs about 14 000 euro with all options except leather seats cheap ennough I think for less than 19 000 euro you can have an alfa mito full ops with leather seats that is a buyer!

[@Maker-Clan]

That's false now by the way, 5 door model has been out for quite some time now

[@flippingfloyd7606]

Excuse me but I am getting this car because it was rated the best Definitely better than a vauxhall Adam or mini And Audi drivers aren't idiots !!!

[@OhFookinELL]

Well.....you're right there! Audi makes the classiest interiors. But, in recent years, there seem to be a 'quality' issue with the materials they use for their interiors. I had a 1998 A4 2.4 V6 many moons ago. It was built like a brick. No rattles or noises from the interior - ever, from the 5 years I owned it.

[@RealRaynedance]

Looks a bit like a Lancer from the front.

[@tanner87]

love the car, but it's soooo expensive!

[@Atze1on1]

yes and don't forget... the better version too ;)

[@MrPheral]

Dont see any haters here from BMW and MERCs.. where have they gone now?? Oh wait.. must be waiting for THE BMW and MERC to copy the design.. and everything good Audi has..

[@remake1990]

great car for 2

[@TheLostSurveyor]

@pollumG I guess I should point out that I have never owned an American POS car. I know where every one of my cars limits were or are. As I have spun them all at least once while pushing those limits. Judge much?

[@hellomoto170]

this comes in 5 door too...

[@geegeeuk7]

I want one so bad ha