Looking at adding a premium hatchback to your garage but want the lowest running costs in the segment? Let's compare Audi's A1 with two key rivals to pick out the most affordable model to own.

Those in the market for a premium compact hatch in the sub-R500 000 category have several options ranging from Audi’s competent A1, the quirky Mini One and the little firecracker Abarth 595. How do the A1’s running costs compare with these two key rivals, though? Today we will compare the entry-level A1 with two similarly priced rivals, namely the Mini One and the Abarth 595.

The figures

Audi A1 Sportback 30TFSI

Mini One hatch 3-door

Abarth 500 595 Competizione

Engine size

3-cyl, 1.0-litre turbo petrol

3-cyl, 1.5-litre turbo petrol

4-cyl, 1.4-litre turbo petrol

Power/Torque

85 kW/200 Nm

75 kW/190 Nm

132 kW/250 Nm

Gearbox

7-speed dual-clutch auto

7-speed dual-clutch auto

5-speed manual

Seats

5

4

4

Airbags

6

6

7

Kerb weight

1 125kg

1 115kg

1 035kg

Load Capacity

335-litres

211-litres

185-litres

Fuel capacity

40-litres

40-litres

35-litres

Claimed consumption

4.8 L/100 km

5.6 L/100 km

6.0 L/100 km

Service plan

5-yr/100 000km (maintenance)

3-yr /75 000km (maintenance)

NA

Price

R467 300

R444 909

R491 900

*Fuel consumption from a Road test conducted in another market.

Comparing the trio

Purchase price

The models we have chosen for this comparison are competitors from a pricing and body-style perspective. Monthly instalments are calculated throughout 72 months with a 10% deposit and no balloon or residual. The interest rate is set at 10%.

Audi A1 Sportback 30TFSI

With the instalment parameters in place, the A1 will work out at R7 791 per month over 72 months.

Mini One Hatch 3-door

With the instalment parameters in place, the One will work out at R7 418 per month over 72 months.

Abarth 500 595 Competizione 1.4T

With the instalment parameters in place, the 595 will work out at R8 202 per month over 72 months.

audi a1 vs mini one vs abarth 500: which one has the lowest running costs?

Fuel consumption

On paper, the Audi appears to be the lightest on fuel, but all three cars will be frugal at the pumps courtesy of their low kerb weights and small capacity engines.

audi a1 vs mini one vs abarth 500: which one has the lowest running costs?

Service plans

The clear winner here is the Audi with its 5-year/100 000 maintenance plan, followed by the Mini with a 3-year/75 000 maintenance plan while Fiat have unbundled service and maintenance plans from their list prices, making them an optional extra.

audi a1 vs mini one vs abarth 500: which one has the lowest running costs?

Verdict

Having looked at the data, in the first five years of ownership, we feel that the Audi A1 will have the lowest running costs among the three products being compared.

Sean NurseWith a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.View News & Reviews

audi a1 vs mini one vs abarth 500: which one has the lowest running costs?
audi a1 vs mini one vs abarth 500: which one has the lowest running costs?
audi a1 vs mini one vs abarth 500: which one has the lowest running costs?
audi a1 vs mini one vs abarth 500: which one has the lowest running costs?
audi a1 vs mini one vs abarth 500: which one has the lowest running costs?
audi a1 vs mini one vs abarth 500: which one has the lowest running costs?
audi a1 vs mini one vs abarth 500: which one has the lowest running costs?

Keyword: Audi A1 vs Mini One vs Abarth 500: Which one has the lowest running costs?

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