Audi A1, Taking On the Mini

Audi are well known for their dominance in the C-Class cars but have now with the release of the Audi A1, decided to pit themselves against the superminis.  Worries are that maybe we are now at the point where there are so many superminis to choose from that the public may start looking for larger or cheaper alternatives.

The Audi A1 is entering into a highly competitive market and with so many choices out there will it offer enough of an alternative to make its mark. It still possesses many of the trademark Audi lines, it has an elegant shape to it but nothing revolutionary.

The interior is on the other hand one of the classiest cabin designs on the supermini market. The console is an array of buttons and switches to keep you entertained all encased in a stylish and well put together dashboard and even incorporates a scaled down version of the A8 multimedia interface.

Initially they are only available in three-door with the five-door version due in 18 months time. It also comes with three engine options, the 1.2 and 1.4 petrol and a 1.6 turbodiesel. The diesels performance looks the best of paper getting 0-60 in 10.5 seconds and travelling 70.6pmg while only emitting 105 g/km of CO2.

All in all though the A1 is a nicely designed and durable car, well constructed and possessing the usual hardwearing VW elements you would expect. It handles well and gives its occupants a comfortable ride but how will it fair against the other little ones.