We use cookies on whatcar.com to improve your browsing experience and to provide you with relevant content and advertising, by continuing to use our site you agree to this. Please see our privacy policy for more details. Continue

For The best A1 for high-mileage cruising, with strong torque that helps it cope with long economy-minded gearing. The Audi A1 1.6 TDI SE brings the most supple chassis set-up for the best ride.

Against SE comes with 15-inch wheels, which look a bit lost on the car. Some engine rattle when pulling away in town, but otherwise very refined. Petrol-engined models are more fun.

Audi A1 Hatchback

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

The Audi A1 1.6 TDI SE 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.

What Car? readers say

4.4


Key facts

0–60mph
10.5 secs
Top speed
118 mph
Average mpg
74.3
Tank range
736 miles
See all running costs

Features

See all equipment

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 1.6 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

Audi A1 Hatchback 1.6 TDI Sport 3dr

This is the best car small car i have ever owned, i use to own a MINI, i am i so glad i change, its a much bigger car, as well the quality is amazing…

alastair baldwin

5 out of 5 stars

Audi A1 Hatchback 1.4T quattro 3dr

The 'Audi A1 Hatchback 1.4T quattro 3dr' is a fantastic little car. It combines traditional Audi build quality with the practicality of a small car.…

Liam Robinson

4 out of 5 stars
Post a reader review for your car View all reader reviews

A1 rivals

A1 used car reviews