VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
70 kW
Torque
200 Nm
160 Nm
Fuel
4.8 l/100km
TBA l/100km
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
9.4 s
—
Engine
999 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Audi A1 and the Dongfeng Box is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi A1 delivers 85 kW while the Dongfeng Box produces 70 kW. On fuel, the A1 returns 4.8 l/100km while the Box uses TBA l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R549 000 for the A1 and R499 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
85 kW
70 kW
Torque
200 Nm
160 Nm
0-100 kph
9.4 s
—
Top Speed
203 Km/h
140 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
999 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
3
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.8 l/100km
TBA l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
5.9 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
4.2 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
43.9 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
119 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4029 mm
4020 mm
Width
1740-1940 mm
1810 mm
Height
1409 mm
1570 mm
Wheelbase
2563 mm
2663 mm
Kerb Weight
1125 Kg
1342 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
335 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Load Capacity
—
375 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
Optional
—
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
—
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5 vehicle / 8 battery + high voltage par
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000 vehicle / 200000 battery + high v
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
100000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
A1
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Box
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A1
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Dongfeng Box
Lower starting price (R499 000)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (70 kW vs 85 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A1 or Box?
The A1 uses 4.8 l/100km and the Box uses TBA l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A1 or Box?
The A1 produces 85 kW and 200 Nm 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 R549 000 and the Box from R499 000. The Box is cheaper by R50 000 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 not specified 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.