Say goodbye to these 2 cars after 15 years in South Africa
German carmaker Audi will discontinue the A1 and Q2 from its showrooms in South Africa after more than a decade in the local market.
Audi confirmed in March 2026 that it would end production of the A1 and Q2, with neither model set to receive a direct replacement.
Production of both vehicles officially ended in April, which means that South African buyers will only be able to purchase them while the existing local stock lasts.
The decision forms part of Audi’s wider strategy to concentrate on larger, more profitable premium vehicles rather than smaller and more affordable models.
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner previously told Autocar that there would “definitely be no successor for the A1”.
The A1 remains listed on Audi South Africa’s configurator, with the latest A1 Sportback 30 TFSI available in Advanced, S line and Black Edition specifications.
Prices range from R530,900 to R593,390, although these models are expected to disappear from the local market once dealers sell their remaining stock.
The A1 first arrived in South Africa in 2011 as a three-door hatchback, and offered buyers a smaller alternative to Audi’s larger models.
It was initially available with 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engines, as well as a 1.6-litre TDI diesel.
Audi then expanded the range in 2012 with the five-door A1 Sportback, which became the more practical option for local buyers.
A facelift followed in 2015, bringing revised styling and a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder TFSI engine after the diesel option was dropped.
The Q2 launched in South Africa in 2017, and it became Audi’s smallest SUV, sitting below the Q3 and targeting the growing demand for compact crossovers.
The Q2 initially arrived with 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engines and distinctive styling intended to set it apart from Audi’s larger SUVs
A facelift followed in 2021, after which the South African range was streamlined around the 35 TFSI, powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine.
Part of a broader industry shift
The withdrawal of the A1 and Q2 is part of a much broader change in South Africa’s new-car market.
At least 28 models have disappeared from local showrooms over the past two years as manufacturers have reassessed their product ranges, sales prospects and global strategies.
Kia discontinued the Rio across its right-hand-drive markets, while Honda replaced the WR-V with the Elevate.
Subaru replaced the XV with the Crosstrek, and Suzuki removed the Vitara as its Fronx and Grand Vitara covered its SUV range.
Other manufacturers have responded to declining demand for traditional passenger cars. Toyota discontinued the Corolla Quest, while Honda ended the Ballade and BR-V. Lexus also dropped the RC.
Volkswagen discontinued its entry-level Amarok, while Nissan ended production of the NP200, a long-running small bakkie that struggled to meet modern requirements.
Some withdrawals have also reflected global changes in the motor industry. Jaguar announced a major shift towards electric vehicles, while Audi has been simplifying its range and moving away from some of its smaller models.
Once the remaining A1 and Q2 stock is sold, Audi will effectively leave South African buyers without a direct small-car equivalent in its range, marking the end of a 15-year era for Audi in South Africa.
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