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

The diesel engine delivers decent power at 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 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, economy up at high speeds, and comes with a standard convenient stop and start system. The diesel engine tends to rattle when pulling away, but petrol models are much quieter.

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. It is fitted with basic equipment including 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, cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirrors, rear parking sensors and a tracking device at extra cost.

The 1.6 TDI Sport 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 due to the sloping roofline. The 1.6 TDI Sport 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 too quickly.

The car comes with a three year warranty or 60,000 miles. It incurs low running costs coming under road tax band A and insurance bracket 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/km.

The 1.6 TDI Sport 5dr is priced at £16,880. The car can be used comfortably for tasks like school runs, shopping, city cruising to road trips and holiday drives. The 1.6 TDI Sport 5dr continues to pay for itself as it enjoys good dealer services as well as Audi’s excellent quality and reliability record. The car's Audi brand and performance profile grant it excellent resale values. However, while the car is a stylish, safe and proficient car, its performance is almost completely similar to the cheaper 1.6 TDI SE with the addition of just an extra seat. It does not make sense to spend an extra £2000 for just another seat.