Used Audi A1
An Audi A1 history lesson
The Audi A1 resides firmly in the supermini part of the market. Its premium feel may play into the more sophisticated driver’s hands, but a used A1 remains a great little car for most drivers out there.
First launched in 2010, Audi fancied a piece of the supermini market, and this is when it came up with the A1. Though fairly new to the market, it’s super stylish and takes on a similar shape and build of other Audis – which is always a good thing.
Discover why a used Audi A1 is a good choice
A used Audi is full of equipment, so there’s plenty of gadgets and necessities that make the A1 a great buy. The usual ‘Audi-ness’ is all there: airbags, leather, superb build quality, and a great seating position.
It feels like the entire car has been put together incredibly well, which is what the German manufacturers are known for. Audi is synonymous with build quality, so you really don’t have to worry about buying a used Audi A1.
Reliability across the board is very good, although it's worth bearing in mind that only in the last three years or so has the run-flat tyre technology that BMW so wholeheartedly embraced caught up with the sort of ride quality that BMW owners have traditionally expected. Be careful of hard-driven M cars and track day specials and also steer clear of X models that have clearly had a tough life.
With its dynamic looks and state-of-the-art technology, both the interior and exterior of a used Audi A1 are unrivalled. You’ll never find a similar car in the same category that comes with what a second-hand Audi comes with.
Popular variants of the used Audi A1 include:
How a second-hand Audi A1 drives
Much of the A1’s driving prowess comes from Audi’s incredible DSG system. This is basically a very clever flappy-paddle gearbox, but it’s much more than just a marketing ploy. If you opt for the system – which you should – you’ll end up with a car which can be an automatic but, when the moment takes you, can be a super-quick shifting bruiser, too. The gearbox effectively makes the car better, so it’s definitely something to consider.
Aside from the gearbox, a used A1 drives brilliantly and boasts technical superiority. The A1 is by far and away the most technically-gifted supermini, so that means you’ll enjoy a brilliant drive no matter where you are.
The TDI engines in the A1 are superb, and even if you opt for a petrol model you’ll be boasting a smile for years to come. As the saying goes, good things come in small packages.
What awards does the Audi A1 have?
In 2011, the Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport was awarded "Car of the Year" by the British What Car? magazine. It was recognised as the best supermini due to both its style and power.