Aside from a badge on the nose that is almost certain to impress your neighbours, the 2019 Audi A1’s major plus point is that it feels like a much bigger, more grown-up car shrunk down into a compact package. While other supermini-sized cars feel just that, the Audi shares the same sense of solidity, premium quality and stable, dependable handling characteristics that make larger, more expensive Audis so appealing. The downside of the A1’s posh badge and smart design is that it comes at a cost: the Fabia from sister brand Skoda is effectively the same car (albeit with different styling) at a much lower price.

Strengths:

Understated good looks
Very practical for a small car
Free-revving petrol engines

Weaknesses:

Pricey compared to similar cars with mainstream badges
Firm ride when fitted with big alloy wheels
No electric or hybrid version

Is the 2019 Audi A1 better than the 2019 MINI hatchback?

BMW-owned MINI makes perhaps the most obvious premium-badged rival to the 2019 Audi A1 in the form of the 2019 MINI Hatchback. Both feel like premium products, but it’s the MINI that’s the more fun to drive of the two, though the Audi counters this with feeling both more grown up and offering more space for passengers and luggage.