Audi A1 GB vs Volkswagen Polo AW

Audi A1

GB · 2018 – 2026

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

Volkswagen Polo

AW · 2017 – 2026

The sixth-generation Polo (AW), on the MQB A0 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 1.0 TSI (110 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Audi A1	Volkswagen Polo
Power	150 hp Winner	110 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,7 s Winner	10,0 s
Top speed	220 km/h Winner	196 km/h
Power-to-weight	122,0 hp/t Winner	97,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	127 g/km	113 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km	5,0 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A1	Volkswagen Polo
Boot	335 L	351 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.090 L	1.125 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,56 m	2,56 m Winner
Length	4,03 m	4,05 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)	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI (S1)	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (GTI) · EA288 1.6 TDI (pre-facelift)
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
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 service (automatic)
Cooling system needs checking
Carbon buildup on short trips

Volkswagen Polo

DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
Infotainment glitches on early cars

Pros

Audi A1

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

Volkswagen Polo

Roomier and more mature than the Polo V
Thrifty 1.0 TSI with low CO2
Mature road manners and good finish

Cons

Audi A1

Relatively small boot
Tight rear seats, typical for the class

Volkswagen Polo

DQ200 DSG service (dry clutch)
GTI and higher trims get pricey

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

Bigger, more comfortable and closer to a Golf in feel. The AW rides with noticeably better isolation and body control than the 6R, steers accurately with decent weighting, and stays quiet at speed for a supermini. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and economical — the GTI adds real pace, and the 1.6 TDI is the long-distance choice. The DSG is smooth; the manual is light and precise. It is a more grown-up, more premium-feeling small car than the 6R, with a maturity close to the Golf in a smaller package.