Ford Fiesta vs Audi A1
What's the difference?

Ford Fiesta

—

2023 price

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Audi A1

$18,998 - $29,990

2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2023 Ford Fiesta

2020 Audi A1

By Tim Nicholson

By Matt Campbell

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.5L

Turbo 4, 1.8L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

5.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Punchy engine and slick gearbox combo
Light, chuckable dynamics
Excellent value for money

Character-filled car
Sporty performance
City-friendly dimensions

Dislikes

Noisy cabin
Huge turning circle
Firm ride

Fuel use a bit high
Expensive
Back seat lacks amenities

2023 Ford Fiesta Summary

The original Ford Fiesta ST from 2013 was a modern classic. The combination of appealing pricing, point-and-shoot driving dynamics and a sweet turbocharged engine ensured it won a legion of fans.

Its follow-up from 2020 continued that formula and brought with it a refinement missing from the original. But it was just as fun to drive.

Ford has launched a mid-life update for the sprightly hot hatch, which despite arriving in Australia halfway through 2022, is still officially an MY22 model. This latest version introduces upgrades to interior tech and exterior styling, as well as a 30Nm bump in torque.

But given it’s facing a ballsy competitor from Hyundai, has Ford done enough to keep its B-segment hot hatch crown?

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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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Deep dive comparison

2023 Ford Fiesta 2020 Audi A1

Verdict

The Fiesta ST is an addictive car to drive. It's a modern classic and hard to beat when it comes to engaging performance and smile-inducing dynamics. Add in excellent value for money and you have a certified performance car bargain.

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.

Ford Fiesta vs Audi A1 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Fiesta vs Audi A1
What's the difference?