Audi A1 (2010-2018) review - Reliability and Safety

The A1 is up there with the safest cars in the premium supermini class, as it comes with a long list of safety equipment as standard and was awarded a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety tests in 2010.

Despite Audi's upmarket image and strong reputation for quality, the A1 finished well down the rankings in the Auto Express Driver Power 2018 satisfaction survey. The car came 53rd out of 75 cars ranked, which was below that of the Nissan Micra and Mazda 2, but above that of the Skoda Fabia and MINI. 

Owners have criticised the A1’s uncomfortable ride, practicality issues and running costs, although they praised its ease of driving.

The interior feels sturdy and durable, though, and the engines have all been tried and tested in the rest of the VW Group’s range of cars – so we’d be surprised if you encounter any major mechanical difficulties.

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Warranty

A three-year warranty is supplied with the Audi A1 as standard. This covers unlimited mileage in the first two years, but only up to 60,000 miles in year three. For around £240, you can extend the warranty to four years and 75,000 miles, or for around £500 you can stretch it to five years and 95,000 miles, and the extended guarantees can be transferred between owners.

Servicing

Audi offers a choice of servicing schedules to suit how you drive your A1. If you’re mostly in town and doing short journeys, it recommends you bring your car in to your local dealer workshop every 9,000 miles or once a year for an oil change, or every 19,000 miles or two years for an inspection and service.

Drivers racking up higher mileages should have an oil change, inspection and service carried out on their A1 every 19,000 miles or two years.