Drive with us: Test driving the Audi A1

Join us as we take a closer look at the Audi A1, the pocket-sized premium hatchback that punched well above its weight 

The Audi A1 was Audi's entry point to the supermini class: Small car, big ambitions.

Launched back in 2010, the A1 was so beloved it received a second generation in 2019 — sharper styling, more tech and even greater ambitions than before.

Competing with the MINI Cooper and Volkswagen Polo, it was more expensive than all of them. But it offered something none of them could: Four rings on the bonnet and the brand prestige that comes with them.

Sadly, it was discontinued in 2023 and is no longer available to lease with us. The end of an era, but one that's making way for something new: Audi are streamlining their lineup and shifting focus toward electrification ahead of the 2030 ban. 

There's no direct replacement planned for now, though the A2 concept hints at where Audi's small car story goes next.

But did the A1 deliver enough to justify choosing it over cheaper, equally capable rivals? Let's find out.

What we drove:

Model: Audi A1 35 TFSI S Line S Tronic Auto

Fuel type: Petrol

Engine: 1.5-litre 35 TFSI 150PS

Transmission: 7-speed S Tronic automatic

0-62mph: 7.9 seconds 

Colour: Glacier White Metallic

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Or watch our video review over on YouTube:

Four rings, no compromise

In typical Audi fashion, the A1 had sharp, aggressive styling. There was more visual drama here than most superminis can muster — and we loved it all the more for it.

Angular lines and creases ran the length of the car, giving it a sporty, purposeful look that felt a cut above its class. The S Line trim amplified this further with redesigned bumpers, a more aggressive stance and 17-inch alloys that looked punchy for a car of this size. 

The Glacier White Metallic on the car we drove only added to the premium feel.

A minor detail worth noting was the fake air intakes on the S Line trim. They looked great, but served absolutely no aerodynamic purpose whatsoever. Some people loved it, others didn’t see the point.

The second generation moved to a five-door Sportback body only (no three-door option) and grew slightly over its predecessor, sitting at just over four metres in length. The result was a slightly boxy profile that actually worked in its favour, making it more practical for rear passengers than its sleeker rivals.

LED headlights came as standard across the range, and at night the A1 cut a genuinely premium figure.

It wasn't the most subtle supermini on the road. But that was the point. 

If outright character and distinctiveness are the priority, the MINI Cooper edges ahead, but the Audi had a sharper, more grown-up aggression that suited it perfectly.

Audi quality in a small package

Step inside and the cockpit had a sci-fi feel to it. 

Angular design made the driver feel encompassed — a cocooning, driver-focused atmosphere with premium touches throughout. It was the kind of interior that made you feel like you're sitting in a much bigger, more expensive car.

The digital driver's display was crisp and modern as standard across the range, and the 8.8-inch touchscreen sat high on the dashboard. It was easy to see and reach without too much eye-wandering from the road. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came as standard too, which meant you were never reliant on the native system alone. Physical dials for the heating and air conditioning were a genuinely welcome touch in a world that's increasingly obsessed with touchscreens.

The S Line sports seats in cloth and leatherette with silver stitching were comfortable and supportive, and the overall first impression was undeniably premium. 

Soft-touch materials on the dashboard helped justify the price tag. 

If you spent a little longer poking around though, cheaper plastics on the door cards and around the gearlever started to chip away at that impression. And the lack of a front armrest as standard was a notable omission at this price point.

Rear legroom was adequate. Two six-footers could manage behind two six-footers, though their knees would know about it. 

The boot came in at 335 litres; competitive for the class and usefully square in shape. The optional height-adjustable boot floor was a winner as it reduced the load lip and gave you a handy space to stow the parcel shelf.

Small but mighty

Small, manoeuvrable and genuinely enjoyable to drive, the A1 punched well above its weight from the moment you pulled away. The 1.5-litre 150PS engine was nippy and accelerated well — hills that would trouble other superminis were dispatched without fuss.

Despite its compact dimensions, it felt like sitting in a much bigger, more expensive car. 

Road noise was impressively well suppressed, and the S Tronic automatic gearbox was smooth and intuitive throughout, making it a great stepping stone for anyone making the switch from a manual.

The steering was well-judged too. 

Light and easy around town, building weight naturally at speed to give you genuine confidence on faster roads. And through corners, the A1 handled better than you might expect; composed, planted and more involving than the closely related Volkswagen Polo.

The S Line's sports suspension firmed things up, giving better body control through bends at the expense of some everyday comfort. 

It wasn't the most exciting drive in its class, with the SEAT Ibiza being more fun and the MINI Cooper more characterful. 

But as a premium supermini that felt genuinely special to be in while getting on with the job? The A1 delivered every time.

What's good, and what's not

The Audi A1 is a great supermini, but it still has its flaws:

The good bits:

• Unmistakably Audi — four rings and premium badge prestige in a small package
• Sharp, aggressive styling that stood out in the supermini class
• Pocket rocket performance — 150PS from a 1.5-litre engine, nippy and eager
• Impressively refined for a supermini — road noise well suppressed
• Slowest predicted depreciation in its class — held value well

The not-so-good bits:

• More expensive than rivals — VW Polo offered similar for less
• Cheaper plastics on door cards and around the gear stick felt disappointing at this price
• MINI Cooper's interior is more characterful and premium feeling
• 335-litre boot — smaller than rivals like the VW Polo

What's the verdict?

The Audi A1 was a genuinely impressive small car that delivered on most of its premium promises. 

Sharp styling, a refined drive and that all-important badge made a compelling case — and for buyers who wanted the Audi experience in a smaller, more accessible package, it rarely disappointed.

It wasn't perfect. Interior quality had its limits, and it cost more than equally capable rivals. But as a premium supermini that felt special to own and enjoyable to drive? It earned its place at the table.

Discontinued in 2023, the A1 leaves behind a legacy worth celebrating. It proved that small cars could carry big ambitions, and that four rings on the bonnet meant something, whatever the size of the car beneath them.

Top five reasons the Audi A1 was worth leasing:

1. Premium badge and brand prestige in an accessible, affordable package
2. Sharp, aggressive styling that stood out in the supermini class
3. Pocket rocket performance — nippy, refined and genuinely enjoyable
4. Impressive residual values — slowest depreciation in its class
5. Well equipped at S Line level — sports seats, digital display and LED headlights as standard

Would we recommend leasing an Audi A1?

The A1 has since been discontinued and is no longer available as a new lease. But if you'd asked us at the time? Absolutely — without hesitation.

It was a small car that punched well above its weight, and for those who leased one, they got a genuinely premium experience in a package that was easier to park than a Q7.

Audi's electric future is taking shape, and if the A2 concept is anything to go by, the small car story isn't over just yet.