Audi A1 (2010-2018) review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Efficient engine range means the Audi A1 is at the cutting edge in its class for emissions and economy

Overall Auto Express Rating

3.0 out of 5

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs Rating

4.3 out of 5

Price
£22,115 to £32,100
Find your Audi A1
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Advertisement

Low weight and frugal engines mean the Audi A1 delivers strong fuel economy. Both the 1.6 diesel and new 1.0-litre petrol engines emit less than 100g/km of CO2.

That comes with a caveat for the 1.0-litre engine, though. The claimed economy figures are hugely impressive, and if you drive gently, you should be able to get close to them on the road. But as with so many of the new generation of small-capacity petrol turbos, the warbling engine note and free-revving nature can be difficult to resist – and if you get carried away with the fun driving experience, you’ll soon send your overall economy plummeting. If ultimate efficiency is what you care most about, the under-stressed diesel model is the better choice.

Elsewhere in the range, the powerful 1.4 is pretty impressive, too – especially the 148bhp Cylinder-on-Demand version, which claims 58.9mpg and emits 112g/km. Even the super-quick S1 promises 40mpg with a light right foot.

Other running costs, such as maintenance, should be quite low thanks to Audi's comprehensive fixed-price servicing plan. This, combined with strong residual values, means the A1 is a good value long-term buy. 

Buyers can also choose to extend the standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty to five years at a cost of around £500.

Insurance groups

The 1.6 TDI will be the cheapest version of the A1 to insure – it sits in group 14 – while the 1.0 TFSI will work out only slightly more expensive, in group 15. The 1.4 TFSI models range from a low of group 15 to a high of group 29. The S1 sits in group 33.

Depreciation

There is a bewildering array of optional equipment and colours for the Audi A1, so choosing a specification for your model can be a bit of a depreciation minefield. You are playing in a relatively safe ballpark, though – on average, this car is predicted to retain an impressive 56.9 per cent of its original value after three years.

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    25 TFSI SE 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £16,870

Most Economical

  • Name
    25 TFSI SE 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £16,870

Fastest

  • Name
    40 TFSI 207 S Line Competition 5dr S Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £26,350

Most Popular

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost
Jaguar XF Sportbrake - front tracking
Road tests

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost

Jaguar's XF Sportbrake may be 8 years old but it just got a whole lot cheaper!
7 Dec 2023
New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power
Nissan Qashqai exclusive image - front
News

New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power

Major investment in Nissan’s Sunderland plant underpins the new fourth-generation Qashqai
8 Dec 2023
Polestar 4 awarded Car Design of the Year by Car Design News
Polestar 4 - front studio
News

Polestar 4 awarded Car Design of the Year by Car Design News

Car design’s most auspicious peer-awarded prize goes to Polestar 4, while Dacia Manifesto wins Concept Design of the Year
7 Dec 2023