Audi A1 vs Holden Astra
What's the difference?

Audi A1

$18,998 - $29,990

2020 price

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Holden Astra

$4,500 - $20,990

2018 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2020 Audi A1

2018 Holden Astra

By Matt Campbell

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.8L

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.9L/100km (combined)

5.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Character-filled car
Sporty performance
City-friendly dimensions

Good to drive
Good looking
Well-specced

Dislikes

Fuel use a bit high
Expensive
Back seat lacks amenities

Missing rear seat amenities
Smallish fuel tank
Awkward pedal position

2020 Audi A1 Summary

The Audi A1 2020 range offers something for everyone, and in the case of this particular variant, it’s the one you buy if you want as much grunt and gear as you can get.

It’s the top-of-the-range Audi A1 40 TFSI model, which gets the zestiest engine, the lengthiest equipment list, and offers performance to match some hot-hatches out there. It’s essentially an Audi-ised version of a VW Polo GTI.

This test wasn’t so much about the wow-factor, though. We put it through its paces as an urban runabout to see how it coped as a real-world city car.

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2018 Holden Astra Summary

Holden's current Astra is the second go the car has had in this country, after first being badged an Opel to the sounds of crickets from the buying public. That hubristic exercise was followed by a brief withdrawal from the Australian market before returning, rather more sensibly badged (and sensibly-priced) as a Holden.

It chugged along quite nicely in 2017. It didn't break any records, no, but regularly broke the 1000 units per month mark to end up with about five percent of the small car market, which it shares with some serious competition from Europe and Japan.

The + in R+ means more safety, but also more money. Safety is good, but do you get anything else for your money?

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Deep dive comparison

2020 Audi A1 2018 Holden Astra

Verdict

If you’re eager for a sporty compact hatchback with premium design and luxury car badges, the Audi A1 40 TFSI is a very, very strong contender. It’s fast, fun, and functional for a little hatchback. It’s just very expensive, and for most people the $10K cheaper 35 TFSI model will tick most of the boxes. I’d recommend you drive it before signing on for the top-spec model.

Verdict

The Astra's biggest problem is probably the Holden badge. Despite the company's best efforts, some buyers are wary of the company's longevity and some of the other cars in the range do the Astra no favours - Trax, Colorado and Barina feel cheap, because they are. The Astra isn't cheaply made and holds up very well in excellent company.

Audi A1 vs Holden Astra What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A1 vs Holden Astra
What's the difference?