Audi A1 GB vs Volkswagen Polo 6R

Audi A1

GB · 2018 – 2026

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

Volkswagen Polo

6R · 2009 – 2017

The fifth-generation Polo (6R), on the PQ25 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A1

Pick the A1 for a compact, agile premium city car with efficient engines.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Polo

Pick the Polo for a mature, thrifty supermini with low running costs and solid build quality.

Best engine: The 1.2 TSI (90 hp) or 1.4 MPI (85 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.2 TSI 90 · Petrol

	Audi A1	Volkswagen Polo
Power	150 hp Winner	90 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,7 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	220 km/h Winner	182 km/h
Power-to-weight	122,0 hp/t Winner	84,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	127 g/km	110 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km	4,8 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A1	Volkswagen Polo
Boot	335 L Winner	280 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.090 L Winner	950 L
Wheelbase	2,56 m Winner	2,47 m
Length	4,03 m	3,97 m
Ground clearance	13,0 cm	14,5 cm
Turning circle	10,6 m	10,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.100 kg Winner	1.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A1	Volkswagen Polo
Platform	MQB A0 (transverse)	PQ25 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI (S1)	EA111 1.2/1.4 TSI (pre-facelift) · EA211 1.0/1.2 TSI (facelift) · EA189/EA288 TDI · EA888 1.8 (GTI)
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	5-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A1

DQ200 service (automatic)
Cooling system needs checking
Carbon buildup on short trips

Volkswagen Polo

Timing chain on EA111 TSI (pre-2014)
Water pump/thermostat module
EGR/DPF on diesels (short trips)

Pros

Audi A1

Compact and agile
Efficient TFSI engines
Premium feel in a small package

Volkswagen Polo

Affordable and cheap to maintain
Facelift (2014+) brought better EA211 engines
Compact and easy to park

Cons

Audi A1

Relatively small boot
Tight rear seats, typical for the class

Volkswagen Polo

EA111 chain (early 1.2/1.4 TSI) can cause trouble
Pre-facelift interior and infotainment dated

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.

Volkswagen Polo

Light, nimble and easy to thread through town. The 6R steers quickly and accurately, rides acceptably for its size, and feels genuinely small and manageable in tight streets. The 1.0 and 1.2 TSI engines are adequate rather than exciting; the 1.4 TSI and GTI add real pace; the 1.6 TDI is the economical choice for distance. The 7-speed DSG is smooth once moving, though it can hesitate from a standstill. It is a competent, economical supermini, though it trails the AW for refinement and cabin quality.