Modest size and stunning looks earned the Audi A1 popularity over the last 12 years. The stylish design and low running costs make it a desirable first car.
Regardless of its popularity, there are rumours that it could be discontinued soon! So, is it still worth buying one?
The current model remains the smallest car in the Audi line-up but is more spacious than earlier A1 models. It has grown by 56mm. Although this doesn’t sound like much – it is.
Extra leg and headroom make longer journeys bearable in this compact car. You’ll be able to road trip too, with an added 65 litres of luggage capacity. You now get 335 litres of boot space with the seats up or 1090 with the rear seats down.
Possibly the deciding factor persuading many new drivers to the A1 is price. You can pick up a new one for just under £20k. If you plan to lease, you can get an Audi A1 for a similar monthly payment to a Ford Fiesta.
What would you choose? [Deals found on LeaseLoco]
Audi A1 Design
I tested the automatic A1 Sportback with a 30 TSFI engine. This one costs around £31,500 due to a few optional packs being fitted.
With the A1 being so popular, you might want to make yours unique too. There are 7 exterior colour options, and you can combine any colour with a contrasting roof.
Personally, I think it looks great in blue.
Sharp lines, LED lights, side vents, bonnet slits and an Audi badge make it desirable. The bonnet design pays homage to the original Audi Quattro rally car!
Interior quality is hard to beat too. All trims get a fully digital cockpit, 10.25-inch display and multi-function steering wheel.
You will struggle to find similar technology in other small cars at £20k.
Engine size and Power
The entry-level engine in the A1 has just 95 bhp. This is more than enough for a small, fuel-efficient city car. You can expect up to 51 mpg if you drive sensibly.
For more power, you can get engines with 110 or 125 bhp. Again, these numbers don’t sound impressive, but this car is a featherweight compared to the rest of the Audi range. That power will boost you from 0-62 mph in 9.4 seconds
The torque is also worth mentioning. I usually skip this part because most people don’t need to know or understand it.
Torque is (basically) how much ‘push’ your engine gives when you floor it. The A1 provides a whopping 200Nm of torque between 2000 and 3000rpm.
This means you have an excellent range of acceleration on motorways or winding country roads.
Is the Audi A1 nice to drive?
Importantly for you, driving is effortless. The ride is smooth and quiet, and the automatic changes gears seamlessly.
Despite being a small car, the visibility is excellent. The windows and mirrors are large and perfectly positioned.
Is the Audi A1 still worth buying?
So, is it worth buying an Audi A1 if they’re coming to an end? All things considered, I’d say yes.
They are quirky and cost-efficient. You can drive in a comfortable cabin packed with convenient tech for the same price as a standard small car.
They are also reliable, so even if production does end, they will always be wanted in the used car market.
If you don’t want to risk it, you should read my reviews of similar cars. Just click the button below.
