Audi A1 vs Volkswagen Arteon
What's the difference?

Audi A1

$18,998 - $29,990

2020 price

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Volkswagen Arteon

$32,997 - $50,990

2022 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2020 Audi A1

2022 Volkswagen Arteon

By Matt Campbell

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.8L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.9L/100km (combined)

7.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Character-filled car
Sporty performance
City-friendly dimensions

Polished performance in the R-Line
Oodles of space in the back
Tech offering is on point

Dislikes

Fuel use a bit high
Expensive
Back seat lacks amenities

Ride might be deemed too firm
Premium fuel ain't cheap these days

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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2022 Volkswagen Arteon Summary

Some VW models, like the Golf, are household names. No doubt about it. But this? Well, it's probably not one of them. Or not yet.

This is the Arteon, the German's brand's flagship passenger vehicle. Put it this way, if VW's tag line is premium for the people, then this is the most premium. And the people? Well, they're the ones who might normally be shopping for a BMW, Mercedes or Audi.

The name, by the way, comes from the the Latin word for art, and it's a nod to the design focus that's been employed here. It comes in a shooting brake, or wagon, body shape, as well as this, the Liftback. And a quick spoiler alert, it looks pretty good, right?

But we'll get to all that. As well as the big question - can it mix it with the premium-brand big boys?

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Deep dive comparison

2020 Audi A1 2022 Volkswagen Arteon

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 value, driving dynamics and appearance are on point for a premium play here. If you can forgo the badge snobbery attached to the German big three, then you'll find lots to like about Volkswagen's Arteon.

Audi A1 vs Volkswagen Arteon What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A1 vs Volkswagen Arteon
What's the difference?