Audi A1 vs Volkswagen Polo vs Mini One: Which has the lowest running costs?

Let's compare two premium hatchbacks in the form of the Audi A1 and the Mini One with one of SA's best-selling cars, the Volkswagen Polo to determine which has the lowest running costs.

German automaker Audi produces some of the best premium vehicles that money can buy within their respective segments. Today we will be examining its entry-level product, the A1, and how its running costs compare with two key rivals.

Today we will compare the A1 in 30TFSI guise with two similarly priced rivals, namely the Volkswagen Polo and the Mini One hatch. All three models feature turbocharged petrol engines and automatic gearboxes. The question today is, which has the lowest running costs?

The figures

*Claimed fuel consumption

Comparing the trio

Purchase price

The models that we have chosen for this comparison are competitors from a pricing and body-style perspective, with turbocharged petrol engines and automatic gearboxes. Monthly instalments are calculated throughout 72 months with an 10% deposit and no balloon or residual. The interest rate is set at 12%.

Audi A1 Sportback 30TFSI

With the instalment parameters in place, the Audi will work out at R8 161 per month over 72 months.

VW Polo hatch 1.0TSI 85kW R-Line

With the instalment parameters in place, the Polo will work out at R7 839 per month over 72 months.

Mini One hatch 3-door

With the instalment parameters in place, the Mini will work out at R7 983 per month over 72 months.

Fuel consumption

Our contenders all feature turbocharged petrol engines, however, the A1 and Polo have the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged motor, share the same dual-clutch automatic gearbox and even weigh a similar amount. Therefore, despite the Audi being lighter on fuel on paper, the Polo and A1 should be very similar in real driving conditions. The Mini also has a three-cylinder engine, but it is larger at 1.5-litres, and despite the Mini being a similar weigh to the Polo and A1, we envision it being the heaviest on fuel among the three.

Service plans

Our trio have varying service and maintenance plans, with the Audi and Mini featuring maintenance plans, with the A1’s a superior 5-year/100 000km versus a 3-year/75 000 plan on the Mini. The Volkswagen has the least compelling plan, with just a 3-year/45 000km service plan.

Verdict

Having looked at the data, in the first five years of ownership, we feel that the Audi A1 will cost its owner the least to run among the three cars here by virtue of its superior maintenance plan and reasonable fuel consumption, despite having the highest list price.

Keyword: Audi A1 vs Volkswagen Polo vs Mini One: Which has the lowest running costs?