Audi A1 Sportback 1.6 TDI S line 5dr Car Review - January 2012

The diesel engine makes an excellent cruiser delivering 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 and delivers a good performance for a family car with a top speed of 118 mph, going from 0-62 mph in 10.5 seconds.

The car line has a long top gear to keep revs down and economy up at high speeds. It comes with a standard and convenient stop and start system. 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, a well laid out cabin with comfortable leather. The car is fitted with basic equipment and not the advanced driving technology found in standard models of other car lines like the Alfa Romeo and the Aston Martin. The technology includes stability control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, a stereo system, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity, with additional features like climate control, powered seat adjustment, satellite-navigation, auto dimming rear view mirror, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and tracking device at additional costs.

The A1 1.6 TDI S line 5dr has a big and useful boot which can accommodate adequate luggage for long trips and large errands. Even though the car is a five seater, only the front seats have ample room while the rear seats are suitable only for children, namely due to the sloping roofline. The A1 1.6 TDI S line 5dr 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 entered at high speed. Daytime running lights and automatic beam adjustment are other safety kit options offered by Audi.

The car comes with a three year warranty or 60,000 miles. It has low running costs coming under the low cost road tax band of A, and low insurance bracket of 14.With very good fuel economy, the car has excellent green credentials with a EURO 5 emissions rating and a carbon footprint of 99 g/m.

The A1 1.6 TDI S 5dr is priced at £18,425. It can be used comfortably for day to day tasks like school runs, grocery shopping to road trips and holidays. The car continues to pay for itself as it enjoys good dealer services so customers can enjoy the it for longer, as well as Audi’s excellent quality and reliability record. The car also delivers good fuel economy and low carbon emissions which keep the running costs down.

Additionally, the car's performance profile and the Audi brand grant it excellent resale values. However, while the car is a stylish, safe and proficient model for families and first time buyers, it is costlier than the 1.6 TDI S line 3dr even though its performance is exactly similar. It does not make sense to shell out an extra £2000 for just one additional seat.