Will there be a new Audi A1?

At the time of writing, no – Audi is not planning to replace the A1. That means 2026 will be the car's last year of production. The Q2 SUV is also due to meet the chopping block alongside the A1. We are expecting Audi to replace both the A1 and the Q2 with an A2 electric model – possibly channelling the clever A2 mini-MPV from the 2000s.

What is the highest-spec Audi A1?

Among current A1 models, you'll want the S Line Competition model. This gets all the sporty goodies from S Line models, along with a powerful 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine shared with the Volkswagen Polo GTI.

Which Audi A1 model is best?

All A1s feel suitably premium, so there's an argument to be made for the entry-level model if you don't want the sportier looks of S Line. However, based on the UK public's buying habits, it seems the S Line models are the more popular spec in practice.

Which Audi A1 engine is best?

If you're after performance, the A1 S Line Competition gets the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine as the Volkswagen Polo GTI, giving it a healthy turn of speed. However, the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine found in most regular A1 models is more than a match for the car. So, if you're not fussed about having a fast car, there's no downside to choosing this engine.

Models

Audi A1 models and trim levels explained

• 3 min read

Mike Vousden

Content Editor

Mike is a Content Editor at Motorpoint. He's written for several motoring mags, and worked as an electric car analyst. He likes EVs, V8s and '60s American cars

The Audi A1 was a watershed moment for the carmaker.

It was the first time in the brand's modern era that it'd slapped its iconic four-ringed badge on a supermini-sized hatchback. The combination of small car and big luxury proved to be a popular one, with the car staying on sale for 16 years.

This guide will walk you through the Audi A1 lineup and its model generations over time.

Audi A1 models explained

The A1 isn't Audi's first foray into the supermini segment. That honour belongs to the Audi 50 hatchback of the 1970s, which actually became the first Volkswagen Polo after a little rebadging. The Polo connection continued for the A1, with the little Audi borrowing the VW's chassis and engines.

Of the 'big three' German luxury carmakers, Audi was the only one to build an own-brand supermini in the 21st century. BMW tackled that market through its Mini lineup, while Mercedes' attempts were limited to its Smart brand – which it's since part-sold to Volvo parent company, Geely.

Being basically the only premium car in the segment, the A1 was automatically set above mainstream rivals like the Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 208 and Renault Clio. Its desirability carried the car for 16 years and two model generations, with 2026 being the A1's final year on sale.

Audi A1 rivals include:

Check out our complete list of Audi A1 alternatives

Audi A1 Quattro and Audi S1

Audi's built two high-performance versions of the A1.

The first is the A1 Quattro – an ultra-limited edition powered by a 252hp turbo petrol engine, with four-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. It also got a unique body kit, 'turbine'-style alloy wheels and menacing red flashes in its headlights.

Serving as a more regular production version of the A1 Quattro, the S1 was available until the end of the first-generation A1's production run. It uses basically the same setup as the A1 Quattro, but with power very slightly tamed to 231hp.

Audi A1 Citycarver

The second-generation A1 never got a true performance model like its predecessor, although the rare 40 TFSI used the same engine as the Volkswagen Polo GTI. Instead, it was bestowed with a unique model in the form of the Citycarver. This version aped the look of chunkier SUVs like the Audi Q2, with lifted suspension and more rugged body details. The car was mechanically unchanged from the standard A1, but the extra ride height gives drivers a little more confidence over potholes and jagged kerbs.

Audi A1 trim levels

Current Audi A1 trim levels:

Sport – current entry-level model with cruise control, rear parking sensors, and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
S Line – sportier looks with big alloy wheels, lower suspension and front sports seats
Black Edition – similar kit to S Line but with moody black details and a contrast black roof

Previous Audi A1 trim levels:

Technik – older entry-level model with LED headlights, cruise control and an infotainment system
Vorsprung – luxury version with big alloy wheels, part-leather upholstery and heated front seats
S Line Competition – speedy model sharing the Volkswagen Polo GTI's 200hp turbo engine

Audi A1 generations

Second generation – 2018-2026

Second A1 lost the three-door body style and sporty four-wheel-drive models
Model code – GB
No formal facelift
Production for the second-gen model moved to SEAT's factory in Martorell, Spain
Petrol engines only

First generation – 2010-2018

The first A1 had a choice of three and five-door body styles
Model code – 8X
Facelifted in 2015
Looked remarkably close to the Metroproject Quattro and A1 Sportback concept cars that previewed it
Choice of petrol and diesel engines

What's the best Audi A1 model?

Both of the A1's two model generations feel fairly similar on the open road, with well-judged suspension and composed handling. However, newer 2018-onwards models are a bit more practical than their predecessors and feel substantially higher tech thanks to their large, glossy infotainment screens and driver displays.

Don't fret if your budget will only stretch to a first-generation A1, however. This car still feels like a premium product behind the wheel, with smooth, zippy engines and a slick optional automatic gearbox. Its only downside is the small flip-up infotainment screen, which now looks quite dated.

Browse nearly new and used Audi A1 cars for sale, or read our Audi A1 review to find out what it's like to drive.