Audi A1 1.6 TDI Black Edition 3dr Car Review - January 2012

The diesel engine delivers excellent cruising with power of 103.6 bhp at 4400 rpm with torque figures at 184 lb-ft at 1500-2500 rpm. The car has excellent fuel economy at 74.3 mpg, similar to the Audi A1 1.6 SE, with a top speed of 118 mph, going from 0-62 mph in 10.5 seconds.

All cars in the A1 range have a long top-gear to keep revs down and economy up at high speeds, and comes with a convenient stop and start system. The handling allows for comfortable cruising on different terrain. The diesel engines like of the 1.6 TDI, tend to rattle when pulling away. Petrol models are always smooth and quiet as compared to the diesel engine models.

The car comes equipped with firm, supportive seats, adjustment levers and a well-laid out dash board. The windows give a good view out and the central control unit and screen give access to many of the car's functions.

The car has a nicely crafted exterior and a well laid out cabin with comfortable leather. It is fitted with basic equipment including stability control, electric door mirrors and front windows, a stereo system, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity, with additional features like climate control, powered seat adjustment, auto dimming rear view mirrors, satellite-navigation, a tracking device, cruise control, and rear parking sensors at additional prices.

The Audi A1 1.6 TDI Black has a big and useful boot which can accommodate adequate luggage for long trips and large errands. The car comes equipped with a high end safety kit with a five out of five Euro NCAP rating. Along with the basic six air bags and anti-lock brakes the car has stability control with an electronic rear differential which helps the driver enter corners safely at high speeds. Audi also offers other safety kit features like daytime running lights and automatic beam adjustment at extra prices.

The car comes with a three year warranty or 60,000 miles. It has relatively high additional costs with its insurance premium set at bracket 14, and a road tax band of A. With excellent fuel economy, the car has good green credentials with a EURO 5 emissions rating and a carbon footprint of 99 g/km, better than the 1.2 and 1.4 petrol versions and the 2.0 diesel version.

The Audi A1 1.6 TDI Black is priced at £20,590, the highest in the Audi line. The car can be used comfortably for day to day tasks like school runs, city cruising and grocery shopping to road trips and holidays. It delivers excellent fuel economy, low carbon emissions and enjoys good dealer services so customers can enjoy it for longer. Additionally, the car's performance profile and the Audi brand grant it excellent resale values.

As one of the costliest Audi cars, the 1.6 TDI Black is a stylish, safe and proficient model for families and first time buyers, but the additional costs offer nothing more than the cheaper 1.6 models. Buying the car is more a purchase of the heart for its attractive black sheen and stylish body work than for its overall performance and technology.