Audi A1 GB vs Renault Clio MK5

Audi A1

GB · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation A1 (GB), on the MQB A0 platform.

Renault Clio

MK5 · 2019 – 2026

The fifth Clio (MK5), on the CMF-B platform with the E-Tech hybrid.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A1

Pick the GB for the Virtual Cockpit and the 35 TFSI’s balance of pace and economy — ideally a well-kept example.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (150 hp, cylinder-on-demand).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Clio

Pick the MK5 for the modern, efficient Clio with a bigger boot and the E-Tech hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.0 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech 140/145 (hybrid).

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol

	Audi A1	Renault Clio
Power	150 hp Winner	100 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,7 s Winner	11,8 s
Top speed	220 km/h Winner	187 km/h
Power-to-weight	122,0 hp/t Winner	91,7 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	127 g/km	112 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km	5,0 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A1	Renault Clio
Boot	335 L	391 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.090 L Winner	1.069 L
Wheelbase	2,56 m	2,59 m Winner
Length	4,03 m	4,05 m
Ground clearance	13,0 cm	—
Turning circle	10,6 m	10,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.100 kg Winner	900 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A1	Renault Clio
Platform	MQB A0 (transverse)	CMF-B
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI (40)	1.0 SCe · 1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	6-speed manual · X-tronic CVT
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A1

DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics and clutch judder on early cars
1.5 TFSI (EA211 evo): cold-start “kangarooing” on early units
2.0 TFSI (40, EA888): water-pump/thermostat housing can leak

Renault Clio

E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Electrical gremlins and infotainment freezes
1.5 Blue dCi: DPF and AdBlue on short trips

Pros

Audi A1

MQB A0 platform: lighter and stiffer than the old 8X
Virtual Cockpit (fully digital dials), a class first
More interior and boot space than the 8X

Renault Clio

Modern interior and attractive design
Smooth 1.0 TCe and efficient E-Tech hybrid
Bigger boot than the MK4 (391 L)

Cons

Audi A1

DQ200 automatic needs care on early cars
Firm ride on larger wheels
Options quickly push the price up

Renault Clio

Rear seat still tight
Infotainment can be slow

Driving experience

Audi A1

Light, easy and more premium than most superminis. The A1 steers quickly and lightly, rides firmly but acceptably, and is effortless to place in tight city streets. It is front-wheel drive only, which suits its urban role. The 1.0 TFSI is smooth and economical, the 1.5 TFSI adds useful pace, and the 2.0 TFSI in the 40 is genuinely brisk. The S tronic is quick; the manual is light and precise. It is a polished, techy small hatch that trades a little boot and rear space for a more premium feel than its Polo sibling.

Renault Clio

Light and easy to place in town, with precise-enough steering for the class but little real feedback. Body control is firmer than the previous Clio, reducing roll in corners while staying acceptable on normal roads — the ride is firm rather than plush. The 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe feel responsive for daily use; the E-Tech hybrid adds strong low-speed electric assistance and smooth transitions in most conditions. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can hesitate at low speeds. Overall a competent, easy supermini rather than a driver's car.