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The more powerful of the two petrol engines on offer in the A1, the 1.4 TFSI generates 120bhp and peak torque of 147lb-ft at 1,500-4,000rpm. This is a decent amount of power for a small car that weighs in at 1,125kg, so it feels pretty nippy. This is borne out on paper by the official 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds and the top speed of 126mph, which seem about right. This performance means that it has all the necessary power to buzz about in town, moving off smartly from standing starts and providing enough surge to overtake when required. It also cruises comfortably at motorway speeds, the gearing having been set up to ensure that the A1 doesn’t need to rev too highly in these conditions. The 1.4 TFSI is also the only engine in the A1 range to have the option of being mated to the seven-speed, dual-clutch S tronic transmission, which costs an extra £1,420. A tried and tested gearbox, the S tronic provides, smooth, instantaneous gear shifts on the move and is the auto box that all others are measured against. The petrol engines are undoubtedly the best options for the A1, offering a balance of performance and refinement that is slightly lacking with the diesel. The 1.4 TFSI obviously has more poke, but if you’re not too bothered about power, the 1.2 is definitely worth a test drive for comparison.

The A1 is a sophisticated car and, in many departments, will be considered the class leader in the supermini segment. Driving dynamics won’t be one of those departments, though. Handling is pretty much as you’d expect, if you’ve driven any Audis at all recently. The steering is satisfyingly weighty, but it doesn’t feel as sharp or accurate as the Ford Fiesta (currently the best supermini to drive) or the go kart-like Mini, which is a natural rival in the style stakes. However, it is agile, doesn’t lack grip and corners well, remaining flat and composed when pushed. The problem with the A1 is that it suffers from the overly firm ride that has blighted a number of recent Audis. In an attempt to make its cars sporty, the marque has concentrated on stiffening the chassis, with the result that the ride quality suffers. The A1 is similarly afflicted with a ride that errs on the side of firmness, which won’t be helped by customers being able to opt for 17- and even 18-inch wheels. Buyers should try to opt for 16-inchers, if possible.

For a supermini, the A1 is highly sophisticated, managing to retain all the refinement we’ve come to expect from an Audi, despite its more compact package. The car is well built to the high standards we’re used to from the German manufacturer, with everything from the exterior body panels to the smallest buttons and switches on the inside living up to expectations. Audi has done a very good job of to building the A1 to a budget. The upper surfaces are swathed in soft-touch plastics and, lower down, harder, more brittle materials have been utilised (a common practice in the car industry): however, the bottom of the central console was covered in a nylon, almost webbing-like material that was very tactile but which should also be hard-wearing. As Audi products have becoming increasingly popular in the last decade, so the company has improved its performance in customer satisfaction surveys, which place a strong emphasis on reliability. The 2010 JD Power survey, for example, placed Audi in joint-ninth place in the league table of manufacturers, with most of its current line-up in the list of top 50 models.

The A1 hasn’t yet been crash-tested by Euro NCAP, but recent Audis have scored highly, so when the organisation does run the rule over this new model, we expect it to acquit itself equally well. There’s plenty of active and passive safety equipment fitted as standard, including a new ESP (electronic stability programme) system with an electronic differential (EDL), ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and anti-slip regulation (ASR); six airbags (driver, passenger, front side and head); Isofix child seat anchor points; and three-point seatbelts. In addition, if you opt for top-spec S line versions, there are also optional xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, which are another useful safety feature. For security, there’s remote central locking, immobiliser and Thatcham Category 1 alarm.

Despite its compact size, the A1 is well packaged and provides ample space throughout the cabin. The front is spacious and easy to access (all A1s have just the three doors – for now, at least), with comfortable front seats. The driving position is also excellent, with plenty of adjustability in the seat and the steering column to ensure that almost anyone can find the right set-up. The rear is surprisingly spacious for a car of its size: with an average-sized driver, there’s enough kneeroom in the back for grown-ups, although the sloping roofline does mean headroom is compromised. The 1.4 TFSI only has two trim levels – Sport and S line – both of which offer good equipment levels and, as you might expect from Audi. Standard equipment for the Sport model includes 16-inch wheels, radio/CD player with MP3 file compatibility and six speakers, Aux-in, SD card reader, retractable 6.5-inch screen, voice control, air con, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, sports suspension, Bluetooth, sports seats with lumbar support, aluminium trim on switches, door handles and sills, fog lights and polished tailpipe. If you’re feeling flush and want to splurge on the range-topping S line trim you’ll also get 17-inch wheels, S line sports suspension, cloth/leather upholstery, S line lettering and badging, leather-trimmed steering wheel, door sills with aluminium inlay, floor mats, S line body styling (front and rear bumpers, side skirts and rear diffuser) and roof spoiler.

As a premium supermini, the A1 isn’t going to be cheap. The 1.4 TFSI Sport model starts at £15,345 (on the road), rising to £16,860 for the S line (£18,280 with the S tronic gearbox). Running costs should be pretty good though, as the 1.4 TFSI (in common with all versions of the A1) is fitted with Auto Start/Stop that cuts the engine when static in traffic and then restarts when a gear is engaged. This means that fuel consumption is a very respectable 53.3mpg. CO2 emissions are also low at 119g/km, so vehicle excise duty will cost owners £30. Residuals should also be strong, as the A1 will be a highly desirable second-hand buy. Servicing costs will also be kept low, thanks to a new five-year/50,000-mile service plan that costs just £250.

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