Used Audi A1 for sale: everything you need to know
The second generation Audi A1 was launched in 2018, to a very similar formula to the 2010 model it succeeded: supermini size, economy, and running costs, but the quality and image of a premium brand. Just as before, it’s similar to a Volkswagen Polo under the skin, but has chunky styling that could pass for the larger A3, and the driving experience isn’t that different from its larger sibling either.
A premium badge typically requires a premium budget, but that’s where buying a used A1 comes in. It’s a popular car so there’s plenty of choice on the used market, and the A1 has several engine and trim options to broaden your choice further. The original A1 is still well worth a look too if you have less to spend, and has diesel and hot hatchback (the Audi S1) options too.
Should you buy an Audi A1?
Audi is one of only a handful of manufacturers to give supermini buyers a real premium option, so if you need a small car but want the feel and badge appeal of a larger one, then the A1 could be the ideal choice. It has the same smart styling cues as larger Audis but only takes up the same space on the road, give or take a few millimeters here and there, as a Volkswagen Polo.
The 2018-on model we’re concentrating on here has slightly squarer styling than the curvier original, and drops the three-door option of that car, but otherwise appeals in many of the same ways. Higher spec A1s can feel quite flash, but all models get an infotainment touchscreen and an interior that feels a step above the norm in this class. Being Polo-based, it’s among the more spacious options too.
All 2018-on A1s use petrol power - you’ll need to look at the older model if you want a diesel, or indeed a proper hot hatch, since there’s no S1 of this generation either. But the engine lineup is smooth, punchy, and frugal. The A1 handles sharply, though you’ll have more fun in a MINI or even a Ford Fiesta, as the A1 can feel a little disconnected from the action - though this could be a benefit for some drivers, and it’s certainly refined at speed.
Under the skin the A1 is similar to cars like the Volkswagen Polo, SEAT Ibiza and Skoda Fabia, and these all make great, practical options without the Audi price tag - though also without the Audi badge appeal. The MINI 5-door hatchback has more of a sense of fun than the A1 but isn’t quite as practical, and while few other options have the Audi’s image, cars like the Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, and Ford Fiesta are still great superminis in their own right.
What’s the best used Audi A1 model to buy?
Unlike the previous Audi A1 there are no diesel engines here, nor a true S1 range-topper aimed at hot hatchback enthusiasts. What you get instead are a range of three- and four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines of various outputs, but all do the job perfectly well - even the 95PS entry level model is peppy and capable of 50mpg. If you’ve got the budget then the more powerful units will net you more performance, while in terms of specification, the lower Technik and Sport trims are probably the sweet spot, being well-equipped and just as well-built as the sportier trims, but riding rough surfaces slightly better on their smaller wheel options.
Used Audi A1 fuel economy and performance
- Audi A1 25 TFSI: With a 1-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine you get 95PS, and a 0-62mph time of 11 seconds. At its most frugal, Audi claims up to 50.4mpg combined.
- Audi A1 30 TFSI: The same engine in 110PS form results in a small performance improvement with 0-62mph now taking 10.6 seconds, and there’s no great penalty in fuel economy, at 49.6mpg combined.
- Audi A1 35 TFSI: The 35 TFSI upgrades to a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, making 150PS. Only available in seven-speed auto form, 0-62mph takes 7.7 seconds, and combined economy is 46.3mpg.
- Audi A1 40 TFSI: Engine size grows again to two litres for the 40 TFSI, and power increases too, to 207PS. Again only offered in S Tronic auto form, 0-62mph takes 6.5 seconds, with 42.8mpg economy.
What used Audi A1 trim levels are available?
Most of the trim levels below will look familiar if you’ve searched for an Audi before, though while most Audis start in Sport trim, the A1 gets a lower Technik entry point - though as you’d expect from a premium marque, equipment isn’t too bad even at its most basic. All models are five-door with this generation A1.
- The Audi A1 Technik starts off the range with the option of the 25 TFSI and 30 TFSI engines with manual or S tronic automatic gearboxes, but doesn’t come with either of the more powerful engines.
- The Audi A1 Sport gets more equipment, and its engine range includes the 25 TFSI, 30 TFSI and 35 TFSI engines and a mixture of manual or automatic transmissions.
- The Audi A1 S Line has a sportier look taken from Audi’s high-performance S models, and gets more equipment still. Engine choice here includes the 25 TFSI, 30 TFSI and 35 TFSI engines and either manual or S tronic automatic gearboxes.
- The Audi A1 Black Edition is similar in specification to the S Line but has black styling elements. Engine choice is again the 25 TFSI, 30 TFSI or 35 TFSI engines and a mix of manual or S tronic automatic gearboxes.
- The Audi A1 S Line Competition tops the range with styling, equipment and chassis upgrades over the regular S line. It’s only available with the 40 TFSI engine and that engine’s standard S Tronic automatic gearbox.
Used Audi A1 dimensions and boot size
The Audi A1’s dimensions are:
- Length: 4029mm
- Width: 1740mm
- Height: 1409mm
- Ground clearance: 121mm
The Audi A1’s boot size is:
- 335 litres
- 1090 litres with rear seats folded
Used Audi A1 road tax
Since April 2017, there has been a flat rate of VED or ‘road tax’ for all vehicles from their second year of registration onwards. Since the current A1 was launched after this point, and has no hybrid option for a small discount, all models will cost you £190 per year to tax, at the current 2024/2025 rate.
How much is it to insure an Audi A1?
At its most affordable the Audi A1 starts in groupo 16 insurance, for a 25 TFSI in Technik trim, and rises to group 31, for the 40 TFSI S Line Competition. This means you’ll likely pay more to insure an A1 than an equivalent Volkswagen Polo, where a 95PS TSI in sporty R-Line trim is only group 8, less than the same engine in an A1.
