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There’s just one diesel engine available in the A1 in the UK, a common rail 1.6-litre TDI with piezo injectors, which produces 103bhp and 170lb-ft of torque at 1,500-2,500rpm. A lower-powered version is also available in other markets, but its unlikely to ever go on sale here. In terms of performance, these figures mean a 0-62mph time of 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 113mph. These feel about right: there’s a torquey surge low down but then the thrust peters out slightly as you pile the revs on, so while it’s willing, it pales in comparison with the petrol engines in the A1 range. It’s also surprisingly noisy. Audi diesels have become very refined in recent years, but this unit has an agricultural rattle at start-up and the discordant oilburner sound continues until you reach cruising speed, when it dies away and the engine allows for easy, relaxed progress. Audi expects about 40% of A1 buyers to opt for this diesel, but we reckon the petrol engines are a better option for the A1, offering a balance of performance and refinement that the diesel lacks.

The A1 is a sophisticated car and, in many departments, will be considered the class leader in the supermini segment. However, when it comes to driving dynamics, Audi are set to lose out. Handling is pretty much as you’d expect from an Audi. The steering is satisfyingly weighty, but it lacks the sharpness or accuracy of the Ford Fiesta (currently the best supermini to drive) or the go kart-like Mini, which is a natural rival in the style stakes. That said, it is agile, has lots of grip and corners well, remaining flat and composed when pushed. The biggest 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, which can make the ride pretty harsh. Buyers should try to opt for 16-inchers, if possible.

The A1 is highly sophisticated for a supermini, managing to pull off the trick of retaining the refinement buyers expect from an Audi, but condensing it down into a more compact package. It’s built to the high standards we’re used to from the Ingolstadt-based German manufacturer, with everything from the exterior body panels to the smallest buttons and switches on the inside living up to expectations. Audi has also contrived to build 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.

The A1 is superbly packaged for a compact car and provides ample space throughout the cabin. The front is spacious and easy to access (all A1s have just the three doors, but we expect a five-door Sportback version to be launched in the next few years), 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 amount of space in the back is also relative generous for a car of its size: with an average-sized driver, there’s enough kneeroom in the rear for grown-ups, although the way the roofline slopes does mean headroom is somewhat compromised. The three trim levels – SE, Sport and S line – all of which offer good equipment levels and, as you might expect from Audi. Standard equipment for the SE includes 15-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 and electric door mirrors. Sport trim adds 16-inch wheels, sports suspension, Bluetooth, sports seats with lumbar support, aluminium trim on switches, door handles and sills, fog lights and polished tailpipe. At the top of the range, the S line trim has 17-inch wheels and 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 1.6 TDI SE model starts at £14,180 (on the road), rising to £17,495 for the S line. Running costs should be pretty good though, as the 1.6 TDI (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 an impressive 70.6mpg. CO2 emissions are officially 105g/km, but Audi is hoping that these can be reduced to 99g/km by the time the car actually goes on sale in November 2010, which would make it exempt from vehicle excise duty. When it comes to selling the A1, owners should also find that residuals will be strong, as the A1 will prove to 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 from Audi that costs just £250.

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