What is it?

The diesel version of Audi’s new A1 supermini. We’ve driven the turbo 1.4 petrol in Germany (and weren’t that impressed), so, with sales about to start in the UK, thought we ought to find out how it fares over here. In mid-range Sport trim it costs £16,320. 

Technical highlights?

There’s really not much to get the juices flowing. The manual gearbox only has five forward ratios, unlike the original A2 there’s no lightweight thinking in the body frame and the 1.6 TDI 105 (PS, not bhp…) engine is familiar from earlier appearances in the Skoda Fabia and SEAT Ibiza.

What’s it like to drive?

Oh dear, I’m not sure how to put this. We gave the 1.4 TSI turbo petrol three stars on the German first drive and I had a sneaking suspicion that, as we’ve found with other cars, a lower spec model might actually offer a sweeter, purer driving experience.

No such luck. The 1.6-litre diesel is a chugger, the noise and harshness at odds with the A1’s refined cabin ambience and although it delivers a satisfying lug of power low down, once over the initial surge, the engine settles back into providing a flat line of unassuming torque.

The A1 is a nice size – it feels small and wieldy on the road and the weight is well balanced within the chassis so, provided you don’t push too hard, neither over- nor understeer is prevalent. But to drive the A1 TDI is a plodder. The suspension is so uncomfortably harsh that you find yourself bracing for manhole covers, while mid-corner steering kickback has to be experienced to be believed. It honestly feels like the development process was never properly finished.

How does it compare?

Cliched though it might be, I’m afraid the Mini is a comprehensively better car to drive. Its ride may have similar harshness issues, but even as a diesel the Cooper is just so much zestier and more engaging round corners.

Anything else I need to know?

In line with its billing, the A1 does have all the usual Audi virtues in a small package. Build and material quality is extremely good and the cabin has a grown up vibe. Not a whiff of any joie de vivre, though. And that despite the lime green interior highlights. These, I ought to stress, are optional.

Also, if you really must have an A1, please buy the petrol DSG. I drove one of those too and the smoother, slicker drivetrain made it feel a much more polished product