From £17,855
Like the normal Audi A1, but with rear doors. Diesel is still the least likeable of the range.

What is it?

It's the new five-door Audi A1. Or if you're Audi marketing personnel, it's the A1 Sportback.

Beyond the inclusion of the rear doors, the differences between the Sportback and the standard A1 are fairly subtle. The C-pillar is at a steeper angle, there's over 10mm more elbow and head room in the back and the rear bench now accommodates three rather than two passengers. There's no increase in seat-up boot capacity, so that remains at 270-litres.

For all the extra usefulness, Audi will charge you around £500 more over the three-door. From launch the Sportback is available with the core engines – 1.6 TDI, 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI (120 and 182bhp). A 2.0 TDI and the cylinder on-demand 1.4 TSI will go on sale later in 2012. We're testing the 1.6 TDI in Sport trim (which accounts for around 60 per cent of all A1s sold).

The diesel is only available with a five-speed manual 'box and will be one of the biggest sellers thanks to its headline figures of 99g/km and 74.3mpg combined.

What’s it like?

In its own way, it's exceptionally good. We're very familiar with the 104bhp 1.6 TDI motor, and it is still our least favourite powertrain in the A1. Whilst perfectly acceptable, the slightly lethargic response and gruff soundtrack is at odds with the otherwise encouraging dynamics. It's very fit for use, it just lacks the vivacious delivery of the petrols.

Still, refinement is good and the space in the rear is marginally improved. It's comfortable for two average-sized adults. The occasional third seat is one of those things that sounds trivial but is likely to be highly valued by the small families that Audi expects to be the A1 Sportback's key audience.

We tried two diesel test cars, one with the standard sport suspension that comes with Sport, and one with Dynamic suspension – a no-cost option on Sport models that brings a slightly softer set-up, both on optional 17-inch alloys.

In truth the difference we felt over all manner of UK roads was quite minimal. Both are noticeably firm by most supermini standards, but the sport set-up had a sharper secondary ride and was particularly unsettled over higher frequency intrusions like eroded tarmac and small creases. We’d opt for 'dynamic', since the compromise it brings in terms of body roll is virtually undetectable and yet it does provide slightly more forgiving bump absorption. If comfort is a top priority, we’d strongly suggest going for the standard 16-inch wheels.

Should I buy one?

Yes, though we’d recommend any of the petrols over the rather dull-feeling 1.6 TDI unless you are expecting to cover many motorway miles. The Audi interior still falls short of the blatant style overload that is the Mini, but for those who value ergonomics that will be no bad thing.

In many ways, the Sportback actually makes more sense than the three-door A1. If you don’t count VW under the same 'premium' umbrella, the Sportback has no direct premium rivals but for the less practical Mini Clubman, and the added utilitarian value doesn’t corrupt the looks (too much) or the general likeability of the car.

Audi clearly believes the same, given that it expects two thirds of A1 buyers to opt for the five-door. If you’re intending to be one of them, you won’t be disappointed.

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Audi A1 Sportback 1.6 TDI Sport

Price: £16,880; Top speed: 118mph; 0-62mph: 10.7sec; Economy: 74.3mpg; CO2: 99g/km; Kerb weight: 1165kg; Engine type, cc: 1598cc, 4cyl in-line, turbodiesel; Power: 104bhp at 4400rpm; Torque: 184lb ft at 1500-2500rpm; Gearbox: 5-spd manual

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Will86 24 March 2012

Re: Audi A1 1.6 TDI Sportback

Fidji wrote:

Will86 wrote:
My old car had 5 speeds, my new one has six, both coupled to 1.6 diesel engines. Having a six speed gearbox is better on the open road as it allows me to keep the engine spinning just where I want it, but in town first and second are too low; the ratios in the 5 speed 'box were much better spaced

Good point, but most diesel A1s will be used out of town, so a sixth gear really would make a great deal of sense.

Though my old car only had 5 speeds it never felt like it needed another cog because the engine was so flexible and responsive, even though it would have probably made it even better. The new one has a much narrower power band so does need the extra cog. What I'm really saying is I wouldn't write a car off for only having 5 speeds, that might be all it needs.

Will86 24 March 2012

Re: Audi A1 1.6 TDI Sportback

Big S wrote:

SDR wrote:
I expect SIX speeds, not five.

try before you decide

Definitely try before you decide. My old car had 5 speeds, my new one has six, both coupled to 1.6 diesel engines. Having a six speed gearbox is better on the open road as it allows me to keep the engine spinning just where I want it, but in town first and second are too low; the ratios in the 5 speed 'box were much better spaced.

catnip 23 March 2012

Re: Audi A1 1.6 TDI Sportback

toptidy wrote:

Well it does have one advantage compared with the Ford/Vauxhall approach in that you can select each option you want individually, rather than having to have 2 or 3 you wouldn't choose that are included in the version that does have the one feature that you actually want.

Although it still gets expensive pretty quickly..............

There is some truth in this, though, unfortunately, most manufacturers (Audi included) group options in packs, so you still end up paying for some features you don't want, to get the one you do.