Audi A1 vs Subaru WRX Sportswagon
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$51,500RRP
- with the Subaru WRX Sportswagon's standard kit: $51,500 (nothing to add)
$52,290RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Audi A1 starts from $51,500 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX Sportswagon opens at $52,290. That makes the Audi A1 the more affordable entry point by $790.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $56,650 and $57,519 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi A1 by roughly $3,705 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Audi A1
- REC-005551 · published 8 Nov 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the seat belt monitoring system may not indicate the seat belt status of the occupants as intended.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- REC-000030 · published 5 Nov 2020Due to a production fault, over time a crack in the transmission’s pressure accumulator can occur.Year range on the notice: 2011 - 2012
- REC-000031 · published 6 May 2020Due to a production fault, over time a crack in the transmissions pressure accumulator can occur.Year range on the notice: 2007 - 2016
- 2 more on the model page.
Subaru WRX Sportswagon
None open 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 Subaru WRX Sportswagon gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-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 Subaru WRX Sportswagon. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi A1 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Subaru WRX Sportswagon offers cloth.
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 Subaru WRX Sportswagon responds with a Petrol making 202kW and 350Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 152kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Subaru WRX Sportswagon is 0.1s 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, 726mm shorter than the Subaru WRX Sportswagon at 4,755mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru WRX Sportswagon generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 335L in the Audi A1 and 492L in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon, giving the Subaru WRX Sportswagon a 157L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,682/year for the Audi A1 and $2,423/year for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon. That is a $741 annual difference in favour of the Audi A1.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A1) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX Sportswagon). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A1 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX Sportswagon if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Audi A1: Top CarSorted Score, 70 vs 66
The Audi A1 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (70 vs 66), taking 2 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Audi A1 ahead by 24), practicality (Subaru WRX Sportswagon ahead by 9), reliability (Subaru WRX Sportswagon ahead by 7). The Audi A1 will save you roughly $741 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi A1 and Subaru WRX Sportswagon?
The Audi A1 is the cheapest at $51,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru WRX Sportswagon by $790.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A1 uses the least fuel at 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Audi A1 and Subaru WRX Sportswagon carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the largest boot at 492L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon makes the most power at 202kW. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon is quickest to 100km/h in 6.4s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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