Audis smaller cars have proven hugely successful in recent years, with the brand’s A1 proving a big hit with buyers wanting something upmarket, but still compact.
With its high-quality interior, stand-out comfort and refinement and stylish design, it is every bit the junior Audi, yet it’s still brimmed with technology and is roomier inside than you might expect.
And with far more engine and trim choice available on the A1 than ever before, now is a great time to buy. Here’s what you need to know.
What engines are available?
Audi offers a broad range of petrol engines on the A1, with the line-up beginning with the 25 TFSI – a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol producing 94bhp. Paired to a five-speed manual gearbox, it allows the A1 to go from 0-60mph in 10.8 seconds, while returning up to 51.4mpg.
The 30 TFSI uses the same 1.0-litre engine but is tuned to produce 118bhp. Available with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed S tronic automatic, it lets the A1 hit 60mph in 10.3 seconds, while being the most efficient option in the range – Audi claiming 53.3mpg.
In the middle of the line-up is the 35 TFSI, which uses a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol combined with an automatic gearbox. It can accelerate to 60mph in 7.5 seconds, while returning a claimed 47.1mpg.
For those wanting something sportier, there’s the 40 TFSI, which is the nearest Audi has got to producing a hot hatch version of the second-generation A1. Available exclusively in S line Competition trim, it uses a powerful 204bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine that accelerates from 0-60mph in just 6.3 seconds, and on to a top speed of 152mph. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s not the best on fuel, though Audi still claims 42.8mpg.
What trim levels are offered?
Audi offers six trim levels on the A1, with equipment highlights and prices as follows.
Tecknik – from £20,380
All A1s get a decent amount of kit, with this entry-level option still featuring LED front and rear lights with dynamic indicators, 15-inch alloy wheels, electric folding door mirrors, a leather steering wheel and automatic lights and wipers. You also get air conditioning, a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit screen and 8.8-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth and DAB radio. Autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and a speed limiter are also included.
Sport – from £21,830
Upgrade to the Sport to get more attractive 16-inch alloy wheels, Audi Drive Select and matt titanium styling elements. Front sports seats, cruise control and rear parking sensors are also included.
S line – from £23,480
The S line is the pick of the A1 range for us, with its more stylish look including a sports bodykit and larger 17-inch alloy wheels. You also get sports suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, part-leather sports seats and LED interior lighting.
Black Edition – from £24,700
For a stealthier look, you should choose the Black Edition, which gets 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, privacy glass and black styling for the radiator grille, exterior mirrors and roof.
S line Competition – from £27,860
Available exclusively with the most powerful engine, this Competition trim level gets you revised 17-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers and adjustable dampers. Platinum Grey styling elements and visible tailpipes help to tell it apart too.
Vorsprung – from £32,445
Right at the top of the range, the Vorsprung features 18-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara and leather sports seats, heated front seats and multi-coloured LED interior lighting. You also get a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, an upgraded digital cockpit screen and Bang & Olufsen sound system. Additional safety aids include a reversing camera and semi-autonomous parking.
What about personalisation?
The Audi A1 offers a good degree of personalisation, especially because each trim level offers a slightly different look. There’s a good range of colour options available, too, including Python Yellow and misano Red, while you can also choose a black or grey contrasting roof for extra style.
There are various alloy wheel upgrades available too, along with more conventional extras like blind spot monitoring (worth choosing when it costs just £75).
Enquire on a new Audi A1