Model tested: Audi A1 1.2 TSI
Price: £13,280
Date tested: June 2010
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

A new Audi for just over £13,000? Surely that means cutting some corners? Not according to Audi, which claims it has "shrink-wrapped everything it stands for to create the new A1".

The A1 will be available with a choice of three engines and three trims running from the entry-level 1.2 TFSI SE at £13,145 to the range-topping 1.4 TFSI S Line at £18,280. The big seller is expected to be the 1.6 TDI which starts at £14,180.

First impressions are of a very smart-looking car with no visible compromise to the Audi reputation for build quality.

The A1s featuring the optional contrasting roof are the standouts but all models look sharp and modern with the continuous shoulder line running from the front grille to the horizontal rear lights. The A1 looks like an Audi and it doesn't look cheap.

The interior goes even further to support Audi's premium claim for the cheapest model in its range. The dashboard has the robust quality feel expected from the German manufacturer, while the aeroplane-inspired design, with turbine-style, round air vents and central flip-up sat-nav and entertainment screen, should satisfy Audi's style-conscious buyers.

The initial range of engines provides a broad choice between frugal motoring from the diesel and performance and affordability from the two petrol models. The options initially span 85bhp 1.2TFSi, 120bhp 1.4TFSi and 104bhp 1.6TDi.

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All cars get ESP and an electronic differential as standard to help put the power down. The A1 feels zippy and unexpectedly refined at higher speeds.

Predictably, the seats are well-made and there's plenty of shoulder room for a driver and front seat passenger. Space isn't so generous in the rear, with tight headroom an outcome of the aerodynamic design. But it does the job of ferrying two adults in the back.

The A1 can shift 267 litres of luggage in a boot with easy access. The load space is quite shallow but measures up well against rivals and flipping the split rear seats opens up a total capacity of 920 litres.

Standard features include 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors and CD/radio with iPod connection.

Audi offers myriad personalisation opportunities, with 800 combinations available for the exterior appearance alone. Options packages can also be specified while xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights can be specified as an option on S Line models.

Audi is confident the A1, with 500 orders placed already, will be a success and from what we could see it is hard to disagree. The Audi A1 is available to order now with the first models expected to hit the UK in November 2010.