Audi A1 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Audi A1 is a supermini; the latest version we cover is the Mk2 Sportback (2018–). In 2024 MOT tests it scored 104 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 231 of 442, and 23.2% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is pins and bushes (3.5% of tests). Boot space is 335 litres (1,090 with the seats folded).
Audi A1 key specs (Mk2 Sportback (2018–), 5-door hatchback)
Boot
335 litres (1,090 seats folded)
Seats
5
Size (L × W × H)
4,029 × 1,740 × 1,409mm
Power
95–207 PS
0–62mph
6.5–11.5 sec
Euro NCAP
5 stars (2019)
2018 on models; figures vary by version. Sources: uploads.audi.com, audi.com, euroncap.com.
Ranked 231 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 5 of 31 superminis
In 2024, 217,565 Audi A1s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 23.2% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Audi A1 is 4% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 10.3% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
23.2%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
10.3%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,500
Typical age at test: 8 years
Audi A1 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Audi A1 MOT faults
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.5% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken2.6% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.0% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.6% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.4% of tests
What the Audi A1 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 8.2% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Tyres | 7.4% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 5.5% | ▼ 33% less often |
| Brakes | 4.7% | About average |
| Visibility | 2.5% | ▼ 36% less often |
| Body and structure | 1.8% | ▼ 16% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.7% | ▼ 21% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.7% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Steering | 0.6% | ▼ 59% less often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▼ 31% less often |
How big is the Audi A1's boot?
The Mk2 Sportback (2018–) Audi A1 has 335 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,090 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 6th biggest of the 13 superminis we compare; the Renault Clio has the most, at 391 litres.
What MPG does the Audi A1 do?
Official economy for the Audi A1 ranges from 32.8 to 76.3mpg across the 118 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2012–2025). A typical petrol version manages 56.5mpg and a typical diesel 72.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Audi A1?
Any Audi A1 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Audi A1 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £325 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carAudi A1 specs and running costs
Official figures for 118 versions sold in the UK between 2012 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
32.8–76.3 mpg
CO2
97–168 g/km
Power
95–150 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Sportback 25 TFSI 95 PS 5-speed95 PS · M5 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 123g | £200 | 30% |
| A1 Sportback 25 TFSI 95 PS S tronic95 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 50.4 mpg | 127g | £200 | 31% |
| A1 Sportback 30 TFSI 116 PS 6-speed116 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 51.4 mpg | 122g | £200 | 30% |
| A1 Sportback 30 TFSI 116 PS S tronic116 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 50.4 mpg | 127g | £200 | 31% |
| A1 Sportback 35 TFSI 150 PS S tronic150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 49.6 mpg | 128g | £200 | 31% |
| A1 1.6 TDI 116PS 7speed S tronic 15'' wheelsD7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 70.6 mpg | 105g | £200 | – |
| A1 1.6 TDI 116PS 7speed S tronic 16'' wheelsD7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 70.6 mpg | 105g | £200 | – |
| A1 1.6 TDI 116PS 7speed S tronic 17'' wheelsD7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 68.9 mpg | 107g | £200 | – |
| A1 1.6 TDI 116PS 7speed S tronic 18'' wheelsD7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 65.7 mpg | 112g | £200 | – |
| A1 1.6 TDI 116PS 15'' wheelsM5 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 76.3 mpg | 97g | £200 | – |
| A1 1.6 TDI 116PS 16'' wheelsM5 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 76.3 mpg | 97g | £200 | – |
| A1 1.6 TDI 116PS 17'' wheelsM5 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 76.3 mpg | 98g | £200 | – |
| A1 1.6 TDI 116PS 18'' wheelsM5 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 72.4 mpg | 102g | £200 | – |
| A1 Sportback 1.6 TDI 116PS 7speed S tronic 15'' wheelsD7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 70.6 mpg | 105g | £200 | – |
| A1 Sportback 1.6 TDI 116PS 7speed S tronic 16'' wheelsD7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 70.6 mpg | 105g | £200 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 118 versions.
What a Audi A1 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 56.5mpg…
- diesel, typical official 72.4mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Audi A1Buying a used Audi A1?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Audi A1 with other superminis
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Audi models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Audi A1 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Audi A1 is 4% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 104 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Audi A1?
The most common MOT fault is “Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn”, found in 3.5% of tests.
›How big is the Audi A1's boot?
The Mk2 Sportback (2018–) Audi A1 has 335 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,090 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 6th biggest of the 13 superminis we compare; the Renault Clio has the most, at 391 litres.
›What MPG does the Audi A1 do?
Official economy for the Audi A1 ranges from 32.8 to 76.3mpg across the 118 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2012–2025). A typical petrol version manages 56.5mpg and a typical diesel 72.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Audi A1?
Any Audi A1 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Audi A1 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £325 a year.
›How many Audi A1s fail their MOT?
23.2% of Audi A1s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 10.3% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Audi A1 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.