Used Audi A1 review: 2010 to 2019 (Mk1) - Interior, comfort and safety

The Audi A1 is a premium supermini and the higher price you pay is immediately obvious when you get inside. It’s higher quality than more mainstream cars such as the Vauxhall Corsa, as you would expect from an Audi – only the MINI really matches it for quality.

However, the Audi suffers from a firm ride, which means it’s a bit uncomfortable over bumpy roads. Lower-spec models on softer suspension are best, as S Line models on a stiffer set-up are quite bouncy. The MINI is more comfortable, too. At least the steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake and the driver's seat for height, so it's easy to get comfortable in the driver’s seat.

What’s the Audi A1 like inside?

New A1 buyers were able to customise almost every aspect of the interior, choosing the seats, steering wheel, upholstery and colours. Most went with a conservative design that was easy to sell on, but if you don’t mind a bit of colour, you can sometimes find models that have unusual combinations that may be cheaper (since they don’t appeal to everyone).

Materials are high-quality inside and the technology on offer is excellent, too; some models have high-end kit such as wi-fi connectivity, and the media display system has plenty of features.

What’s on the equipment list?

There are four trim levels, starting with SE and including Sport, S line and Black Edition, but that’s only the beginning, thanks to Audi’s wide range of options and packs. 

SE trim is reasonably equipped, with a stop-start system, alloy wheels, DAB digital radio and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while Sport adds larger wheels, sports suspension, a Bluetooth phone connection and sports seats. Since this model came with stiffer suspension, we don’t recommend it unless the original owner chose to have the softer SE suspension instead.

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There are other special edition versions including the Amplified Edition, Contrast Edition and S Line Style Edition but these versions had mostly cosmetic changes.

Option packs to look out for include the Comfort and Sound Pack (which adds rear parking sensors, hill-hold assistance, heated front seats, LED interior lighting and a Bose stereo with 14 speakers) and a technology package (which includes sat nav, a 40GB hard drive, a three-year Audi Connect subscription for online services and in-car Wi-Fi).

How safe is it?

Following Euro NCAP crash tests, the A1 was awarded the top five-star rating. All versions are fitted with six airbags, technology to prevent skids and help braking, plus a first-aid kit and warning triangle. There's also a tyre-pressure monitor that alerts you to a possible puncture. 

Xenon lights and LED daytime running lights could be added as an option on SE and Sport models. The A1 misses out on advanced safety technology like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot monitoring, though.