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Latest Update Audi A1: MUST leave in 1st or reverse gear when parking on an incline (as per driver's manual) because parking brake can let go as brake discs cool off.

12-1-2013: DPF problems reported on A1 1.6TDI owned for just 2 months, used for short runs and only taken on a motorway once a week. Buyer should have bought a petrol model.

11-1-2012: Warranty on DSG extended to 5 years or 150,000 kilometres in Russia, China and Australia.

Stylish, chic and sophisticated. These three words sum up the Audi A1. It may be the smallest (and cheapest) Audi in the range but this sporty three-door - Audi's answer to the likes of the MINI and Citroen DS3 - is every bit as good as it looks. And as you'd expect from an Audi, the A1 is a premium hatchback with a high class interior, superb build quality and impressive refinement

Thanks to a range of efficient turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, it's cheap to run with all models able to average at least 50mpg while the 1.6-litre belt cam TDI diesel manages a penny-pinching 70.6mpg. In 2011 an even more efficient version was introduced which emits just 99g/km of CO2 and averages a claimed 74.3mpg. But this doesn't mean the A1 is all show and no go because despite the modest engines, the light weight of the Audi A1 ensures peppy performance.

Audi hasn't skimped on standard kit either, making the A1 good value for money. All versions come generously equipped with alloy wheels, air conditioning and ESP stability control as standard which is more than many similarly priced equivalents offer.

Of course the big comparison is with the MINI and there are certainly obvious similarities between the two, but the Audi A1 walks a slightly different path with a more aggressive style and cutting edge interior. Plus, like most small cars of this ilk, there's plenty of scope for personalisation with different contrasting roof line options and a wide range of accessories.

The quality and style that Audi has able to bring to the small car market, along with great handling, means the Audi A1 is a cut above its competitors and makes this highly desirable yet cheap to run hatchback a great choice.

Road Test Audi A1 1.2 TFSI