Three cars similar to the Audi A1

Few cars in the supermini segment can compare to the level of luxury, driving experience and refinement offered by the Audi A1.

Compact and taut, without compromising on style or detail, the Audi A1 features a dynamic design and refined interior which offers new levels of spaciousness and comfort. All trim interiors are finished with Audi’s premium materials, as well as an 8.8-inch digital touch screen, 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit display and multifunction steering wheel. On top of all that, its most potent S line 1.5-litre TFSI engine accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds.

Even if you’ve got your heart set on a new or used Audi A1, it helps to know what other options are out there. As the supermini segment is one of the most competitive in the UK, here’s our three picks for cars similar to the Audi A1.

DS3 Crossback

Bet you hadn’t thought of this car had you? A left-field choice perhaps, but the DS3 Crossback is one of the best kept secrets on the car market.

Originally started as a sub-brand of Citroen, DS models bring an air of Parisian chic to the supermini segment, offering luxury few others can offer all characterised by its sleek shape, unique side window line and bold DS grille.

Carrying all the DNA of conventionally powered DS 3 Crossback models, the E-Tense version features the familiar DS grille and lights originally introduced on the larger DS7 as well as flush-fitting door handles and access to an app for locking and unlocking the car. With a driving experience focused on technology, it retains the level of comfort you’d expect from the brand too.

With a range of between 191 – 206 miles depending on driving style, speed, and temperature, and a modicum of energy able to be recovered via regenerative braking, its 100kW/260Nm motor and 50kW battery can be fully charged in five hours on a dedicated domestic supply and will charge to 80 percent in 30 minutes on a 100kW rapid charge. If you want an Audi A1 but actually want to make the jump to electric, this is the car for you.

Volkswagen Polo

It’s hard to get much more similar to the Audi A1 than the Volkswagen Polo – not only are they owned by the same parent company, but the cars are built on the same Volkswagen Group MQB A0 platform and offer the same engine range. That also means there are some noticeable similarities when it comes to the exterior shape and styling, and stepping inside the Polo features a similar amount of driver and passenger space as well as placement of the infotainment system. So far so good right?

So what’s different? Well, the Polo is slightly cheaper on the road and therefore to lease, but with the drop in price comes a slight drop in refinement throughout the interior. While it is only a slight difference and easy to overlook, perhaps the biggest difference is in the overall drivability of the A1 compared to the Polo.

Mini Hatchback

While the (comparatively) quirky exterior styling might be at odds with the streamlined elegance of the the Audi A1, the Mini Hatchback’s interior features quality craftmanship on every surface and button. Upmarket throughout, the dashboard is dominated by a round central bezel housing an infotainment screen which adds a uniquely retro-feel to the interior.

The Mini Hatchback’s looks might fool you for on the road performance too, with the car offering one of the most sporty drives out of any car on this list: there’s huge levels of grip and with that comes huge levels of confidence on twisty B-roads. On top of that, it’s also more powerful than the Audi A1 in comparative spec: offering 134bhp to the A1’s 114bhp.

Where the Mini does falter though is its poor level of standard kit – with 15-inch alloys, LED headlights, air-conditioning and a 6.5-inch screen with DAB radio and Bluetooth. To get the most from the supermini requires the Navigation Plus Pack (for an extra £2000) which adds the aforementioned 8.8-inch touchscreen display.