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For The best engine in the A1 for high-mileage cruising, with strong torque that helps it cope with long economy-minded gearing. The Audi A1 1.6 TDI S line brings touches of class not normally seen on a car this small.

Against There's some engine rattle when pulling away in town. Petrol-engined A1s are much more fun to drive. Suspension on the S line is a bit too firm and spoils the otherwise impressive ride.

Audi A1 Hatchback

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

The Audi A1 1.6 TDI S line is a mega-desirable supermini that lives up to everything the Audi brand stands for, but misses the fun of the 1.4-litre petrol model and adds extra cost.

What Car? readers say

4.571429


Key facts

0–60mph
10.5 secs
Top speed
118 mph
Average mpg
74.3
Tank range
736 miles
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Features

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Size

schematic See all measurements

View the whole Audi A1 Hatchback range

Cheaper

More expensive

Read in full

The full Audi A1 review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Audi A1 is a former What Car? Car of the Year winner, and it still holds our Supermini of the Year title. That's impressive, but even so there are some versions that are better than others in our view.

The best all-rounder is the 1.4 TFSI in Sport trim, because it’s enjoyable to drive and has decent fuel economy, but whichever A1 you pick, it will hold its value well and provide a decent amount of equipment.

SE trim is noticeably cheaper than the rest of the range, but you don’t forego too many of the toys that make the A1 feel a little more special than some of its rivals. If you go for SE, look at adding Bluetooth connection for an extra £300, but don’t get carried away with the lengthy options list.

S line specification brings more equipment, but also suspension that is too stiff for our liking. Sport is a good compromise between comfort and kit, so that’s the one we’d go for.

Reader test team says:

Audi A1 Hatchback 1.4 TFSI 122 Sport 3dr

BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!! For a reliable and well built manufacturer I was surprised at how efficient this model is, especially considering its a…

Morven Munro

5 out of 5 stars

Audi A1 Hatchback 1.6 TDI 105 Sport 3dr

OK, so this car is a bit more expensive but it's worth it. It feels bigger than it is, drives bigger than it is and is better put together than…

Shaun Tate

5 out of 5 stars

Audi A1 Hatchback 1.6 TDI Sport 3dr

Car is actually the 5 dr Sportback but no options in review menu. Changed from Mini to get the rear doors and more space - surprisingly big in the…

M Selby

5 out of 5 stars

Audi A1 Hatchback 1.6 TDI Sport 3dr

The A1 is beautifully made and oozes quality, whilst not cheap it does feel like a bigger Audi made smaller rather than a VW Polo with some window…

John bradshaw

4 out of 5 stars
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