Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S line 5dr Car Review - January 2012

The petrol engine delivers excellent cruising with a power of 120.3 bhp at 5000 rpm with torque figures at 147 lb-ft at 1500-4000 rpm. The car has decent fuel economy at 53.3 mpg, lower than that of the Audi A1 1.6, but it delivers marginally higher performance with a top speed of 126 mph, going from 0-62 mph in 8.9 seconds.

The car line has a long top gear to keep revs down and keep economy up at high speeds. It comes with a convenient stop and start system and allows for comfortable driving on different terrain. The TFSI S line 5dr is adequately insulated from road and wind noise, and as a petrol model, it is much quieter than the diesel engine range.

The car comes fitted with firm and supportive seats. It has adjustment levers to improve driver and passenger comfort as well as an organised dash with large clear instruments which are easy to get used to. The car's windows give a good view out and it's 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. The model is fitted with basic driving technology and not the advanced technology found in the standard models of other car lines like the Alfa Romeo or Aston Martin. However, the car's affordable cost offers technology that includes stability control, electric door mirrors and front windows, a stereo system, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity, with additional features at extra prices like climate control, powered seat adjustment, satellite-navigation, cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirrors, tracking device and rear parking sensors. As a S line model, the car comes with firmer suspension and bigger wheels than the SE and Sport versions.

The TFSI S line 5dr has a big and useful boot that can accommodate adequate luggage for long trips and large errands. Even though the car is a four seater, only the front seats have ample room for average sized adults namely due to the sloping roof line towards the back. The TFSI S line 5dr comes equipped with an advanced safety kit with a five out of five Euro NCAP rating. In addition to the standard six air bags and anti-lock brakes, the car has stability control with an electronic rear differential which helps the driver safely round corners at high speeds. Daytime running lights and automatic beam adjustment are additional safety kit options offered by Audi.

The car comes with a three year warranty or 60,000 miles. It has higher running costs as compared to the 1.6 SE version, coming under the road tax band D and higher insurance bracket of 16. The car has decent green credentials with a EURO 5 emissions rating and a carbon footprint of 126 g/m.

The TFSI S line 5dr is priced at £17,775. It delivers good fuel economy and low carbon emissions which keep the running costs down. The car can be used comfortably for day to day tasks like school runs, grocery shopping to long road trips and holidays. Customers can benefit from Audi’s excellent quality and reliability record. The car also enjoys good dealer services so owners can enjoy it for longer. Additionally, the car's excellent performance profile and the Audi brand grant it high resale values.

However, while the car is a stylish, economical, safe and proficient car for families and first time buyers, it is costlier than the 1.4 TFSI S line 3dr even though it delivers similar performance and dealer services, and incurs similar running costs. It does not make sense to shell out an extra £2000 for just one additional seat.