Audi A1 Review
2017-2023
The Audi A1 Sportback (8X Facelift and 2nd Gen GB Series) is a stylish compact luxury hatchback imported from Japan and Europe. Blending Audi's signature Singleframe grille with Virtual Cockpit tech, sharp handling, and frugal 1.0L / 1.5L TFSI engines, the A1 offers premium brand ownership at a highly accessible landed price. Compact, highly popular premium hatchback for city driving.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Lowest customs duty bracket: 1.0L engine qualifies for Kenya's lowest customs tax valuation category.
- Premium Virtual Cockpit display: 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with MMI touch screen.
- Excellent 19.5+ km/L fuel economy: Low operating costs for daily urban commuting.
- Effortless city parking: Compact 4.02-meter length makes Nairobi CBD parking stress-free.
What’s not so good
- 135 mm ground clearance: Requires care over steep estate speed bumps.
- S tronic dual-clutch sensitivity: Demands proper transmission maintenance in heavy traffic.
Most popular: A1 Sportback 25 TFSI / 30 TFSI S Line
5 doorsPetrolAutomatic
At a glance
- Model
- Audi A1 Sportback (GB Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Compact Luxury Hatchback
- Seating capacity
- 5 seats
- Fuel types
- Petrol (TFSI)
- Engine sizes
- 999 cc / 1,395 cc / 1,498 cc / 1,984 cc
- Transmission
- 7-speed S tronic Dual-Clutch Automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Ground clearance
- 135 mm
- Source market
- Japan / UK (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 19.5 km/L (1.0T) / 17.5 km/L (1.5T). Tank: 40 L (about 780 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,376 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,032 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 11,639
- Full tank (40 L)
- KES 9,078
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Trims & variants
Technik / Sport / S Line
- Setup
1.0L 3-cylinder turbo petrol (95–116 hp / 175–200 Nm), 7-speed S tronic, FWD, returning 19.5 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
The core A1 import choice, offering maximum fuel economy and lowest import duty.
- Local consideration
Agile and responsive engine for urban commuting.
Package tiers
A1 grade tiers range from functional Technik trims to aggressive S Line sports packages.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Technik / Sport | Premium base | 10.25-inch digital cluster, 8.8-inch MMI touch, fabric seats, 16-inch alloys, lane assist |
| S Line | Sport luxury | S Line bumpers, LED headlights, sport seats, 17-inch dark alloys, contrast roof paint |
| Competition | Flagship sport | Red brake calipers, sports suspension, leatherette/fabric seats, 18-inch wheels |
About the Audi A1
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 Audi A1 models sit comfortably in the direct import window, while 2018 units face month-by-month age cutoff deadlines.
A major fiscal advantage of the Audi A1 in Kenya is its powertrain displacement. The 1.0L TFSI (999 cc 25/30 TFSI) and 1.5L TFSI (1,498 cc 35 TFSI) sit strictly under 1,500 cc, qualifying for Kenya's lowest customs tax valuation bracket and 20%–25% excise duty rate.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
