Audi A1 vs Chery C5

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Audi A1 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Audi A1 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Chery C5 gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi A1 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Chery C5. The Chery C5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Audi A1 uses a Petrol producing 152kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds.

The Chery C5 responds with a Petrol making 108kW and 210Nm, paired to a 6-speed dual clutch driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The Audi A1 has the clear power advantage at 152kW vs 108kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi A1 is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi A1 measures 4,029mm long on a 2,563mm wheelbase, 322mm shorter than the Chery C5 at 4,351mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Chery C5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 335L in the Audi A1 and 370L in the Chery C5, giving the Chery C5 a 35L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi A1's turning circle is 0.6 m tighter, 10.6 m against 11.2 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi A1 costs about $1,682 a year (5.9 L/100km) and fuel for the Chery C5 about $1,967 a year (6.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $285 a year less for the Audi A1.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi A1) and 7 years / Unlimited (Chery C5).

Where each one leads

The Audi A1: more power (152kW against 108kW) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,682 a year against $1,967).

The Chery C5: the bigger boot with the seats up (370L against 335L) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Verdict

Chery C5 scores higher, 74 vs 70

The Chery C5 scores 74 to the Audi A1's 70 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: safety (Chery C5 ahead by 27 points), performance (Audi A1 ahead by 25 points), fuel economy (Audi A1 ahead by 9 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi A1 costs about $285 less (5.9 L/100km against 6.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 335L in the Audi A1, 370L in the Chery C5. Warranty: 5 years on the Audi A1, 7 on the Chery C5.

Common questions