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Introduction, styling

The relaunch of the Mini brand in 2000 has proven that premium feel and quality can be replicated in a compact city car or a supermini. Almost two million Minis have rolled out of the Oxford plant and found homes worldwide since 2000. With the success BMW has had with the Mini brand, it was just a matter of time before premium competitors like Audi zooms in to have a slice of the Mini's premium compact car pie, hence the introduction of the A1.

We've already discovered how convincing the A1 is when we first tested the base 122bhp model a few months back. The A1 line-up was recently joined by a more powerful 185bhp twincharged model, well, if you discard the A1's glitzy clothes, basically makes the range topping A1 a VW Polo GTI in drag.

In terms of overall styling, the series production A1 isn't far off from the metroproject quattro concept from the 2007 Tokyo Motorshow. Only minor details like the grille inserts, headlamp lenses, wing mirrors, wheels and bumpers differ the concept car from the final production model.

With distinctive styling features like the single frame radiator grille, the 'tornado' line encircling the exterior, the wraparound tailgate and the three-dimensional look for the tail lamp lenses, the A1 is certainly one smart looking car with an air of sophistication that was unheard of in the small car category.

The range topping 185 can be differentiated from the base model on the outside via the rather subtle S-line aero kit, the aluminium look wing mirror covers and the optional RS style 18-inch alloy wheels. Other than the S-line badges on the front fenders, the 185 is devoid of any badging on its exterior to identify itself as the top dog A1 variant. While range topping Mini Cooper S models can easily be differentiated by the air scoop on their bonnets, the top model A1 somehow lacks proper showmanship to tell everyone that it is the higher rung model ? you'd have to squint to notice the car's S-line kit.

Performance, ride and handling

Under the hood, you'll find the familiar 1.4-litre super and turbocharged TFSI lump that is also used by the Skoda Fabia RS as well as several Volkswagen models like the Polo GTI, Jetta Sport, Golf Sport and Touran models, albeit in a different state of tune. The 1390cc twincharged unit makes 185bhp in the A1, which is a slightly 5bhp more powerful than the Polo GTI's and the Fabia RS's lumps.

Launching this car off the line cleanly for maximum acceleration can be a rather difficult thing with this car as the transmission has a habit of delaying power transfer to the wheels if you try to launch it aggressively. Get the twincharged off the line cleanly and it'll reward you with an impressive 6.9 second 0-100km/h time, which is incidentally, the same time as the Polo GTI as well as the 210bhp Golf GTI can muster. Compared to the 122bhp base model A1, the 185 is a full two seconds quicker to 100km/h when accelerating from rest. More importantly, when compared to its fiercest competitor, the Mini Cooper S, the A1 185 is a couple of tenths quicker to 100km/h.

With the supercharger working in tandem with the turbo, the A1 does feel eager and responsive at all engine speeds. Peak torque is rated at 250Nm, available from just 1500rpm, hence the motor's supreme tractability.

Sending power to the front wheels is the 7-speed dry clutch DSG transmission as used in the Polo GTI as well. Like in the latter, the A1's transmission has a habit of pausing for a moment or two before selecting the right gear at slow crawling speeds or when taking off from a standstill. Shift quality and the speed of the gear changes though can't be faulted. Like the base variant, the A1 185 also offers steering wheel mounted gear shift paddles as standard.

As the 185 isn't a dedicated S or RS model, it doesn't possess overtly suspension settings. The A1 185 offers very decent handling dynamics though. Audi's decision to spec local A1s with Dynamic suspension probably helped as the A1 offers body control and turn in that aren't worse off when compared to the Polo GTI.

The A1 is definitely one of the most capable handling cars of its size but for sheer, instant and no compromise go kart like handling and responses, the Mini still rules. The A1, though is certainly not far behind in second in the handling department. On the other hand, while the Mini is set up for outright handling and hence compromises ride quality as a result, the A1 is far more civilized in the way it rides even though the test car's optional 18-inch wheels made it ride a tad knobbly at town speeds.

Interior and conclusion

The A1's stylish looks and funky character continues inside. The dashboard is supposed to mimic an aircraft's wing with the four circular air vents acting as the turbofan engine pods. Audi offers plenty of options and customization as well for the A1's interior. Optional on the base model but standard on the 185 here is the retractable LCD screen on the dash is the display for the MMI Plus. The infotainment system can be specified with iPod connectivity as well as SD card readers, Bluetooth, voice activation, navigation and so on.

At the rear, passengers will have more room than in a Mini but access to the rear is not helped by front seatbacks that can't lock when it is flipped forwards. The boot also offers a bigger load area than in the Mini while the rear seatbacks fold forward if needed. Those who want a more practical A1 will have to wait for the five-door Sportback version which should make an appearance sometime next year.

The Mini might still be the sharper car in the bends but those who want unparalleled refinement and premium quality with a slight compromise in the way it takes to the bends in a small car, the Audi A1 should be the number one choice and that's even before considering that the 185bhp model is roughly $10k more affordable and somewhat prettier than the Mini Cooper S.

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