Audi A1 has a high quality, luxury and technology to match the Mini - and the right sized boot. But the styling is conservative and dull the driving experience. Audi A1 will be available with one petrol and two diesel four-cylinder engine. With a diesel engine you will be satisfied with manual transmission, but you can get S tronic 7-speed noble twin-clutch 'box on the petrols. This will not only speed acceleration, but also improve the mpg. Our choice is significant spritely 1.4 TFSI.
Despite featuring an almost identical electric differential (that uses an ESP system to reduce wheel slip) as with VW's Golf GTI, the Audi's rear suspension isn't the same calibre as the Mini's. Audi appears to have dialled it in for passenger comfort and maturity more than out-and-out frisky frolics.
This is not a risky car for Audi and it is not the most exciting car in its class, but what the A1 does do is bring typical understated style and luxury to a car under four metres long. Four adults can travel inside without being escapologists, and there's a 270-litre boot to house their gear. Fold the seats down and there's 920-litres of space to fill.
Audi A1 uses and LED taillights, 60 gigabyte infotainment system and 14-speaker Bose audio system.
