Audi A1 1.2 TFSI Contrast Edition 3dr Car Review - January 2012

The petrol engine delivers excellent cruising delivering 84.8 bhp at 4800 rpm with torque figures of 118 lb-ft at 1500-3500 rpm. For a family car, the 1.2 TFSI Contrast has decent fuel economy at 55.4 mpg, with a top speed of 112 mph, going from 0-62 mph in 11.7 seconds.

The car line has a long top gear to keep revs down and economy up at high speeds, and also comes with a standard convenient stop and start system. Even though firm, the handling allows for comfortable cruising on different terrain. The car has effective insulation from road and wind noise, and as a petrol model, is much quieter than the diesel powered 1.6 SE.

The car comes equipped with firm, supportive seats, adjustment levers and a well organised dash with large clear instruments. The windows give a good view out and the central control unit and screen give access to many of the car's functions which are easy to get used to.

The car has a nicely crafted exterior and a well laid out cabin with comfortable leather.It is fitted with basic equipment and not the advanced driving technology found in standard models of other cars. The equipment includes stability control, electric door mirrors and front windows, stereo, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity, with additional features like climate control, powered seat adjustment, satellite-navigation, cruise control, and rear parking sensors at additional prices. It also comes with optional features like an auto dimming rear view mirror and tracking device at additional costs.

The Audi A1 1.2 TFSI Contrast has a big and useful boot which can accommodate adequate luggage for long trips and errands. Even though the car is a four seater, only the front seats have ample room while the rear seats are only suitable for small children due to the sloping roofline which creates cramped space. The Audi 1.2 TFSI Contrast comes equipped with an advanced safety kit with a five out of five Euro NCAP rating. In addition to the basic six air bags and anti-lock brakes, it has stability control with an electronic rear differential which helps the driver safely round corners, if entering too quickly. Daytime running lights and automatic beam adjustment are other safety kit options offered by Audi.

The car comes with a three year warranty with 60,000 miles. It has low running costs as it comes under the road tax band C, and has the lowest insurance bracket of the range - 9.With decent fuel economy, the car has good green credentials with a EURO 5 emissions rating and a carbon footprint of 118 g/km.

The Audi A1 1.2 TFSI Contrast is priced at £16,610. Costlier than the SE but cheaper than the S line, it is a worthy investment for a stylish, economical, safe and proficient car for families and first time buyers. It delivers good fuel economy, low carbon emissions, and has low running costs. The car can be used comfortably for day to day tasks from school runs, grocery shopping to going for road trips and holidays. The car will pay for itself as it enjoys good dealer services so owners can enjoy it for longer. Additionally, with the Audi brand and the car's performance profile, owners can enjoy its excellent resale values.