Cars similar to the Audi A1
Cars similar to the Audi A1 prove that not every supermini has to be the same – here’s how Audi A1 alternatives compare
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The best Audi A1 alternatives
There’s no end to cars similar to the Audi A1, so if you’re in the market for an Audi A1 alternative or if you just want to compare them with this premium supermini, this guide is a great place to start.
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Our top 12 cars similar to the Audi A1
Volkswagen Polo
MINI Cooper
Renault Clio
Peugeot 208
Hyundai i20
Ford Fiesta
Škoda Fabia
Vauxhall Corsa
SEAT Ibiza
Toyota Yaris
Suzuki Swift
MG3
Cars like the Audi A1
Volkswagen Polo
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What it is and how it compares:
The Volkswagen Polo is a high-quality supermini with a spacious cabin and big boot, making it great for small families.
It’s easy to drive and feels well-insulated for its size, so you’ll feel just as confident on the motorway as you will around town.
Where it beats (or matches) the A1:
The Polo is built on the same platform as the A1, so it shares engines, gearboxes and other mechanicals. However, it’s cheaper like-for-like, so you can make some welcome savings buying a Polo instead.
How it rivals the A1:
Audi and Volkswagen are both known for quality manufacturing, so these are two of the highest-calibre superminis out there.
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MINI Cooper
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What it is and how it compares:
The MINI Cooper is an iconic compact hatchback with strong brand appeal and stacks of personality.
It’s still very 21st-century with a modern take on the circular central display and electric powertrain options.
Where it beats (or matches) the A1:
MINI is owned by BMW, so this small car is known for both high standards and its enjoyable, go kart-like driving experience.
How it rivals the A1:
It’s all in the name – drivers looking for a premium product might be just as likely to consider a MINI as they are an Audi.
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Renault Clio
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What it is and how it compares:
With its stylish design and strong value for money, the Renault Clio is both great to look at and cheap to run.
Available with your choice of petrol or self-charging hybrid powertrains, it’s even been our Hatchback of the Year twice (in 2024 and 2025). Need we say more?
Where it beats (or matches) the A1:
The Audi A1 already has a good 335-litre boot, but the Clio’s 391-litre space gives it the higher score here.
How it rivals the A1:
Running costs are a strong point of the Clio’s, with the hybrid model featuring one petrol engine and two electric motors.
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Peugeot 208
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What it is and how it compares:
This is a French brand that knows a thing or two about design, and the Peugeot 208 is arguably one of the better-looking superminis out there.
It’s also incredibly versatile, with petrol, diesel, mild hybrid and fully electric options for every type of driver.
Where it beats (or matches) the A1:
It might be cheaper than the A1, but it feels just as premium thanks to Peugeot’s attention to detail in designing the sporty cabin.
How it rivals the A1:
While the A1 is petrol-only (and diesel in previous generations), the Peugeot 208 has one of the broadest fuel selections of its class.
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Hyundai i20
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What it is and how it compares:
The Hyundai i20 is a good-value supermini with strong specification levels and light steering, perfect for learner drivers and seasoned veterans alike.
We love the comfortable ride and the fact that even entry-level models come with lots of equipment.
Where it beats (or matches) the A1:
Audi sells the A1 with an industry-standard three-year warranty, but the i20 gets a five-year warranty with no mileage cap.
How it rivals the A1:
We think the i20 could be equally deserving of a premium badge like the A1 thanks to its quality materials and strong spec list.
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Ford Fiesta
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What it is and how it compares:
The Ford Fiesta needs no introduction – it’s one of Britain’s best-selling used cars and has been a learner-driver staple for years.
It delivers the same easy-to-drive nature as an A1, with slightly more compact dimensions that can make it easier to park.
Where it beats (or matches) the A1:
The Fiesta has had great handling across most generations, with agile and direct steering giving it a more fun edge. Especially in ‘ST’ hot hatch form.
How it rivals the A1:
Both cars have somewhat of a cult following – the A1 is loved by premium buyers, and the Fiesta has long been the de facto hatchback.
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Škoda Fabia
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What it is and how it compares:
The Škoda Fabia is part of the A1’s family – it’s also built on that same, successful platform, but has an even bigger emphasis on affordability.
It’s known for being efficient and having low running costs. Better still, that ‘DSG’ gearbox is one of the best and most-known automatics not just in this class, but of all cars.
Where it beats (or matches) the A1:
The Fabia could easily be compared to a bigger hatchback thanks to its 380-litre boot (the A1 has 335 litres of space).
How it rivals the A1:
Built on exactly the same underpinnings, buyers can buy a top-spec Fabia instead of limiting themselves to a lower-spec A1 for the same price.
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Vauxhall Corsa
What it is and how it compares:
It actually has a similar footprint and silhouette to the A1, so if you like the look of that but want to spend less, you should consider a Vauxhall Corsa.
Vauxhall might feel more budget than Peugeot (this and the 208 share many parts), but it’s still pretty nimble.
Where it beats (or matches) the A1:
Top-spec Corsa models come with all the mod-cons, just like the A1. We’re talking matrix LED headlights, heated seats and even a heated steering wheel.
How it rivals the A1:
The Corsa is a true household name – if you’re looking for a learner car or you’ve just passed your test, you’ll be surprised how affordable it is to run.
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SEAT Ibiza
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What it is and how it compares:
This is our final A1 relative on the list – yes, it’s mechanically similar too, because SEAT is part of the VW Group.
The SEAT Ibiza is positioned more as a sporty alternative to its cousins, but there’s no CUPRA version as there is with other SEAT models.
Where it beats (or matches) the A1:
It generally matches the A1 in terms of drive feel, with fairly sporty handling yet a comfortable ride when you need it the most – around town.
How it rivals the A1:
With the A1 being the most expensive from the VW Group supermini family, the Ibiza is undoubtedly cheaper to buy (if not the same to run, because it has the same engine choices).
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Toyota Yaris
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What it is and how it compares:
The Toyota Yaris is best known for its self-charging hybrid system, which can touch on 70mpg in the right conditions, making it one of the most efficient small hatchbacks.
It has one of the smallest boots in this class, but at 286 litres, it’s still plenty big enough for your weekly shopping.
Where it beats (or matches) the A1:
Running costs are the Yaris’s highest-scoring card, but that CVT automatic gearbox also makes it easy to drive around town, where it feels really smooth.
How it rivals the A1:
If it’s long-term reliability you’re after, the Yaris is the one. With annual servicing, you can extend the warranty all the way up to ten years.
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Suzuki Swift
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What it is and how it compares:
If you’re after a fun, nimble and affordable hatchback, you could consider the Suzuki Swift. What is lacks in premium badging, it more than makes up for in its sporty feel.
There are options for everybody. Pair your efficient mild hybrid engine with a manual gearbox, a smooth CVT automatic, and even four-wheel drive. That’s not a typo.
Where it beats (or matches) the A1:
If you live in rural areas, four-wheel drive might be more than a nice-to-have. Not many other cars at this size even come with the option.
How it rivals the A1:
It’s cheaper, has mild hybrid power, is fun to drive – the Swift makes a strong case for itself. All it lacks is brand appeal.
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MG3
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What it is and how it compares:
MG’s recently updated MG3 is a far cry from its predecessor – it now has a slick, high-end look, low running costs and those easy-to-manage dimensions.
We love the 136hp electric motor, which works with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and three-speed automatic gearbox to average over 60mpg.
Where it beats (or matches) the A1:
This is exactly where it beats the A1 – not only does that electric motor give the car a noticeable push, but it also lets you go further between visits to the pump.
How it rivals the A1:
Equipment options are strong, but the MG3 will never feel as premium as the A1.
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Our top picks for Audi A1 alternatives
What’s the cheapest Audi A1 alternative?
At the time of writing, the petrol-powered MG3 is the cheapest car to buy new on this list, closely followed by the Renault Clio, Vauxhall Corsa, Hyundai i20 and Suzuki Swift.
Because they’re cheaper to begin with, they tend to be cheapest like-for-like when buying used.
Which has the best performance?
If it’s fast acceleration you need, consider a hot hatch. Audi stopped selling the S1 when it launched the second-generation car.
Consider the VW Polo GTI (6.5 seconds to 62mph) or MINI Cooper JCW (6.1 seconds) if you like having a petrol engine.
Some electric models can be quicker, like the MINI Cooper Electric JCW (5.9 seconds) and Peugeot E-208 GTI (5.7 seconds).
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Which car similar to the A1 has the best tech?
Audi is part of the Volkswagen Group, so the infotainment system in the Volkswagen Polo likely has the most similar feel.
The Hyundai i20, MINI Cooper and Peugeot 208 all feel high-quality, while the MG3 offers a lot for your money.
What Audi A1 alternative is the most efficient?
Undoubtedly, it’ll be a hybrid, and Toyota is known for making some of the best. The Yaris can do over 70mpg, and the Clio E-Tech, 208 Hybrid and MG3 Hybrid+ can all do over than 60mpg.
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Read more about the Audi A1
If, by comparing the Audi A1 against all of its key supermini rivals, you’ve decided that this premium Audi is the one for you, then take the time to browse our used Audi A1 cars for sale and pick out the right one for you.