Anyone hoping to buy Audi’s most affordable car is running out of time to do so, as the A1 is set to disappear from showrooms in the near future.
Back in March 2026, the German carmaker confirmed that it would end the production of its two most affordable models, the A1 and Q2, and that they would not be replaced.
Both vehicles would be axed because of Audi’s new business strategy to move away from smaller, more affordable cars to concentrate more on its more profitable, higher-margin premium models, according to Autocar.
This decision came to pass in April 2026, when the company officially ended production of the A1 supermini hatchback and the Q2 crossover after more than a decade.
With production shut down, both cars will soon disappear from showrooms once dealers finally run out of stock.
In South Africa, the A1 and Q2 are still listed on Audi’s local configurator as of the time of writing, but both will be removed once local stock is depleted.
Don’t expect new models anytime soon, either, as Audi CEO Gernot Döllner previously told Autocar, “there definitely will be no successor for the A1.”
Instead, the automaker is resurrecting the A2, a nameplate that ceased production 21 years ago, but it won’t fill the same niche as the A1.
The old A2, which ended its run in 2005, was a quirky multipurpose vehicle (MPV), while the new A2 is an electric crossover tailored for European markets.
“The A2 e-tron was developed with a clear focus on Europe, on the way people live, drive, and use their cars here,” Döllner said.
“It shows how we think about premium for Europe, using resources more intelligently.”
The new A2 will be built at the carmaker’s Ingolstadt plant in Germany and is based on the same underpinnings as the VW ID.3, ID.4, Audi Q4 e-tron, Škoda Enyaq and Cupra Born, according to Bloomberg.
What you get with the Audi A1
The Audi A1 arrived in South Africa and received several updates over the years. The latest iteration, the A1 Sportback 30TFSI, is still listed in three trim levels – the Advanced, S Line, and Black Edition – with prices ranging from R530,900 to R593,390.
All three versions are equipped with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which generates 85kW and 200Nm.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because the same setup found in the current-generation VW Polo. That’s not a coincidence as the two cars are built on the same platform.
Gear changes are handled by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic shifter, which sends power to the front wheels, resulting in an average fuel consumption of 4.8l/100km.
The hatchback can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds, and reach a top speed of 203km/h.
Features on the Audi include 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, daytime running lights, and automatic headlights.
Inside, you’ll find partial leather upholstery, a leather multifunction steering wheel, air conditioning, six airbags, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 8.8-inch infotainment screen.
The S Line and Black Editions then come with additional selling points such as sports seats, scuff plates with aluminium inserts, and black and grey inlays.
New Audi A2
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