VS
At a Glance
Power
90kW@5000
70 kW
Torque
200Nm@1500
160 Nm
Fuel
5.3L/100km
TBA l/100km
Towing
1200kg
-
0-100 km/h
8.9s
—
Engine
1390cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Audi A1 and the Dongfeng BOX is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi A1 delivers 90kW@5000 while the Dongfeng BOX produces 70 kW. On fuel, the A1 returns 5.3L/100km while the BOX uses TBA l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R260 500 for the A1 and R459 000 for the BOX. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
90kW@5000
70 kW
Torque
200Nm@1500
160 Nm
0-100 kph
8.9s
—
Top Speed
203km/h
140 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1390cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
electric
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
6
-
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.3L/100km
TBA l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
6.8L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
4.4L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
45L
32.6 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
124g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
3954mm
4020 mm
Width
1740mm
1810 mm
Height
1416mm
1570 mm
Wheelbase
2469mm
2663 mm
Ground Clearance
-
—
Kerb Weight
1100kg
1243 Kg
Doors
3
5
Seats
4
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1200kg
-
Load Capacity
920kg
375 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✗
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
Optional
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
✗
—
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
5 vehicle / 8 battery + high voltage par
Warranty Distance
-
150000 vehicle / 200000 battery + high vkm
Service Plan
M
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5yr
Service Plan Distance
—
100000km
Service Intervals
15000
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi A1
3 / 4 categories
Performance
A1
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
A1
Practicality
A1
Pros & Cons
Audi A1
Lower starting price (R260 500)
Higher towing capacity (1200kg)
No factory service plan
Dongfeng BOX
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A1 or BOX?
The A1 uses 5.3L/100km and the BOX uses TBA l/100km on the combined cycle. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A1 or BOX?
The A1 produces 90kW@5000 and 200Nm@1500 of torque while the BOX delivers 70 kW and 160 Nm of torque. The A1 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A1 and BOX?
The A1 starts from R260 500 and the BOX from R459 000. The A1 is cheaper by R198 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A1 or BOX?
The A1 has a braked towing capacity of 1200kg and the BOX can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A1 or the BOX?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider