• Three engines, petrol only
• Likeable entry-level 1.0-litre
• No hybrid or diesel options

Petrol engines

Power comes from three turbocharged petrol engines – no diesel, hybrid or electric versions are available. Kicking things off is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine with either 95hp (called 25 TFSI) or 116hp (30 TFSI). The 30 TFSI boasts 200Nm of torque and cracks 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds (the auto is a tenth quicker). If you’re just pottering about town, the 25 TFSI may suit you, with its 10.8-second 0-62mph time proving punchy enough for some.

You can also pick a 1.5-litre four-cylinder motor (35 TFSI) with 150hp. Somehow, going for the larger engine results in diminishing returns: the 1.5-litre 35 TFSI is more powerful, but its performance is delivered in a rather flat, monotone manner. It’s responsive enough, but never feels as eager as you might expect a small car with 150hp to feel. 

The 30 TFSI with a manual transmission is our pick of the range. The three-cylinder engine isn’t particularly exciting, but there’s still plenty of performance for everything from urban to motorway driving, and there’s a likeably eager, flexible feel to the way it delivers its modest performance.

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What’s it like to drive?

• Pleasant to drive but not exciting
• 30 TFSI nimble and easy to drive
• Other small cars are more engaging

As small cars go, the A1 majors on refinement over sharp handling. This is a grown up, high-quality small car, rather than a sporty tearaway. Consequently, the A1 isn’t particularly engaging to drive. The steering gives a reasonable sense of confidence in how much grip the front tyres have, while the brakes are suitably confidence inspiring, too.

Considering just how small it is, Audi A1’s comfort is impressive; very little wind noise gets into the cabin at speed, with the smallest petrol engine proving virtually inaudible. In fact, it’s so quiet that the 1.0-litre petrol unit is barely noticeable even at maximum engine speed. Sadly, there’s too much tyre and road noise does make itself heard, detracting from the mini-luxury car impression somewhat. It’s even more pronounced on the higher-spec models with larger wheels and tyres.

The A1’s roadholding revolves much more around safety than excitement, however. A MINI is a much more satisfying small car to drive, goading you to drive a little faster, where you’d be more encouraged to dawdle around in the Audi. That’s fine on models with smaller wheels that are more comfortable, but higher up the range and with bigger wheels, the A1 can also feel quite unsettled over rough surfaces. On smooth roads, however, the A1 can be surprisingly agile and bodyroll is kept in check very well. 

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