The Audi A1

Audi is renowned for its high quality finish to vehicles and the new A1 is certainly no disappointment in this regard. With Audi looking to compete with rivals BMW over the full range of models, it comes as no surprise to find the A1 as Audi¿s counterpart to the BMW Mini.

Audi A1 has more boot space, more interior space and comes in at the same price level as the BMW offering.

With a heritage built on the VW Polo, the build quality is exemplary and the interior finish is a delight. According to Audi, the interior designers took their inspiration from aeroplane wings for the curving lines of the instrument panel. Certainly the four round, protruding air nozzles are reminiscent of jet engines.

Instrument dials are large, round and with white lettering on a black background, with red indicator needles. An LED interior lighting package offers ambient lighting in the doors and roof module, together with LED foot well lights, reading lights and makeup lights.

The Audi A1 seven speed gearbox features a combination of manual and automatic that Audi call S-tronic. It also minimises fuel consumption with start-stop technology. When the car is stationary, the gear lever is in the neutral position and the clutch pedal released, the engine is turned off. As soon as the clutch pedal is depressed, the engine is restarted.

A choice of three petrol engines and two diesel engines are available. The petrol engines feature turbo-charged fuel injection and are 1.2 litres, 1.4 litres and 1.6 litres capacity, producing 63 kW, 90 kW and 136 kW respectively. The top of the range 1.6 TFSI can reach 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 227 km/h. The two 1.6 litre diesel engine options produce 66 kW or 77 kW of power and both have a common rail injector system with four injectors.

So, the bottom line? If you¿re looking for a classy, well finished and reasonable roomy car that handles well, then the Audi A1 offers good value for money.