Key facts:
Model tested: Audi A1 1.4 120bhp S-Line, Audi A1 1.6 TDI S-Line, Audi A1 1.4 120bhp SE S-Tronic
Date tested: October 2010
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

The A1 marks Audi's bravest move since entering the supercar market with its Audi R8 in 2007.

Audi has been careful to avoid creating cars which could weaken its premium status, and until recently, would have considered a Fiesta-sized car brand suicide.

A sharp change in the world economy, customers' growing environmental awareness plus the success of the small and premium Mini has changed all that.

Audi has responded with a car worthy of the four-rings thanks to the way it looks as well as its engineering, so it's no surprise this year's allocation are all sold.

The A1 has a 270-litre boot, making it 100 litres bigger than a Mini's. This expands to 920 litres with the rear seats folded.

Inside, the A1 boasts one of the finest interiors of any small car, with classy materials and enough interesting design features to make it memorable. It's not as quirky as a Mini's cabin, but those who find the oversized retro speedometer in that car a step too far, will feel more at home in the sensible A1.

At launch there will be two petrol and one diesel model to choose from; an 81bhp 1.2-litre TFSI, a 120bhp, 1.4-litre TFSI or 103bhp, 1.6-litre TDI, which offer acceleration from 0-62mph in 11.7, 8.9 and 10.5 seconds respectively. Early in 2011 a hot version of the 1.4-litre petrol will also be available with around 180bhp.

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A seven-speed S-Tronic semi-automatic gearbox is available with the petrol engine, which makes quick and intuitive gear changes, but has a tendency to shift to high gears in the name of economy.

After driving the 1.4 TFSI and the diesel, it's the former which suits the A1 best. While the diesel is impressively quiet and frugal, it doesn't offer the sense of driving fun the small petrol can manage.

Even the petrol falls short of offering the level of driver pleasure found in the Mini, Citroen DS3, or even in the excellent Fiesta.

All the A1s we drove had Sport suspension, which gives an overly firm ride. And, while there is plenty of grip, the A1 lacks the intuitive and eager response the Mini and Fiesta provide through their steering wheels.

The Audi A1 has a low starting price of £13,145, but add options and the price shoots up. But the A1 should prove a good investment, as it's expected to hold onto more of its value than any other small car.

Running one will be cheap too, with all models qualifying for free road tax for the first year of ownership thanks to CO2 emissions of less than 124g/km.

With a great image, build quality and interior the Audi A1 is a desirable car. It's also admirably economical, but enthusiast drivers will be hoping the forthcoming 182bhp 1.4-litre TFSI will be a more exciting drive to rival the Mini.