@ Audi AG
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Audi A1 vs VW Polo – Which car suits you better?

Two cars, one duel: Audi A1 meets VW Polo.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

A1 @ Audi AG

Audi A1 vs VW Polo: The Hatchback Showdown for 2024

The 2024 automotive landscape is full of exciting releases, and among the most anticipated in the hatchback category are the Audi A1 and the VW Polo. Both these cars cater to the urban driver with their compact designs and efficiency, but which one leads the charge when it comes to performance, innovations, and practicality? Let's delve into the nitty-gritty of these two automotive marvels.

Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Performance: Powerhouses in a Compact Form

The Audi A1 and the VW Polo both come with an array of engine options, all ensuring that drivers can choose the level of performance that suits them best. The Audi A1 offers power outputs ranging from 95 HP to an impressive 207 HP, providing an excellent spectrum that caters both to the more economy-focused driver and those craving a bit more thrill.

On the other hand, the VW Polo also ranges up to 207 HP, mirroring the Audi's top performance capability. With acceleration from 0-100 km/h taking as little as 6.5 seconds in its highest configuration, the Polo stands strong against the Audi A1 whose top variant also hits the same acceleration mark. Torque figures are quite competitive as well, with both models reaching up to 320 Nm, ensuring robust pull and spirited drives.

A1 @ Audi AG

Efficiency: Economy Meets Performance

Both models demonstrate commendable efficiency, a crucial factor for city-driven hatchbacks. The Audi A1's fuel consumption ranges from 5.3 to 6.5 L/100km, closely rivaled by the Polo's 5.2 to 6.5 L/100km. The CO2 emissions follow suit with both offering similar efficiency classes, such as D and E, making them competitive choices for environmentally-conscious drivers.

Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Space and Practicality: Everyday Usability

When it comes to space, both vehicles cater to small families or those requiring ample cargo space. The Audi A1 provides a trunk capacity of 335 liters, slightly lesser than the Polo's 351 liters, but still ample for most urban needs. Both cars comfortably seat five passengers and offer easy access with five doors.

In terms of dimensions, the Polo stretches slightly longer at 4074 mm compared to the Audi's 4046 mm, offering a marginally more expansive interior and exterior presence.

A1 @ Audi AG

Technical Innovations: Cutting-Edge Developments

The Audi A1 integrates advanced innovations primarily with a focus on providing sleek technology and driving dynamics. Its offerings include both a Manual Gearbox and a Dual-Clutch Automatic option, appealing to traditionalists and tech-savvy drivers alike.

The VW Polo shares many technological facets with its dual transmission choices, ensuring flexibility for various driving preferences. While technology-wise similar, pricing and brand perception might sway the tech-inclined buyers towards one over the other.

Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Conclusion: The Verdict

Ultimately, both the Audi A1 and VW Polo present compelling cases with their unique strengths. The Audi A1 barely edges out with its slightly higher array of power options for those seeking ultimate performance in a compact form. Meanwhile, the Polo's slightly greater interior space and marginally superior fuel economy leverage its case as the practical choice.

In the end, the choice between the two may come down to brand loyalty, specific feature preferences, and individual budget constraints. Nonetheless, with their shared German engineering prowess, both the Audi A1 and VW Polo stand as pillars of quality and performance in the hatchback arena for 2024.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A1 @ Audi AG

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

VW Polo has a somewhat advantage in terms of price – it starts at 17000 £, while the Audi A1 costs 19700 £. That’s a price difference of around 2670 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Polo manages with 5.10 L and is therefore barely noticeable more efficient than the Audi A1 with 5.20 L. The difference is about 0.10 L per 100 km.

Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

Both models deliver identical power – 207 HP each.

Both models accelerate almost equally fast – 6.50 s from 0 to 100 km/h.

In terms of top speed, the Audi A1 performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 245 km/h, while the VW Polo tops out at 240 km/h. The difference is around 5 km/h.

Both models offer the same torque – 320 Nm.

A1 @ Audi AG

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Polo is minimal lighter – 1143 kg compared to 1175 kg. The difference is around 32 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Polo offers slight more room – 351 L compared to 335 L. That’s a difference of about 16 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Polo performs barely noticeable better – up to 1125 L, which is about 35 L more than the Audi A1.

When it comes to payload, Audi A1 minimal takes the win – 470 kg compared to 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 13 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW Polo proves to be slightly ahead and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Polo is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £17,000
Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Polo

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 80 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.1 - 6.5 L
details

Audi A1

The Audi A1 is a compact premium hatch that wraps Audi's polished design and surprisingly grown-up cabin into a city-friendly package. It’s poised and fun to drive, a smart pick for buyers who want luxury flair without the fuss of a bigger car — and it makes tight parking feel almost enjoyable.

details
A186760_medium @ Audi AG
A186764_medium @ Audi AG
A186752_medium @ Audi AG
A186753_medium @ Audi AG
A186756_medium @ Audi AG
A186776_medium @ Audi AG

VW Polo

The Polo is a small car with surprisingly grown-up refinement, delivering comfortable packaging, crisp handling and a build quality that punches above its class. For buyers who want a practical, fuss-free hatch that still feels a little premium, it’s a sensible, slightly cheeky choice you’ll enjoy every day.

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DB2021AU00726_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2021AU00728_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2021AU00732_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2021AU00735_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2021AU00736_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2021AU00741_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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A1 @ Audi AG
Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption
Price
19700 - 28300 £
Price
17000 - 30400 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 6.4 L
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
118 - 146 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1175 - 1365 kg
Curb weight
1143 - 1378 kg
Trunk capacity
335 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
4029 - 4046 mm
Length
4074 mm
Width
1740 - 1756 mm
Width
1751 mm
Height
1409 - 1459 mm
Height
1431 - 1451 mm
Max trunk capacity
1090 L
Max trunk capacity
1125 L
Payload
410 - 470 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
95 - 207 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 11.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
182 - 245 km/h
Max Speed
171 - 240 km/h
Torque
175 - 320 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
70 - 152 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1984 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Audi
Brand
VW

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What drive types are available for the Audi A1?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.