Audi’s small A1 car is a delight to drive even if it’s a shade too expensive to justify. We’ve had one in the family in the past – that’s probably why I was keen to give the new second-generation baby model a good test drive.

The previous model was a 1.3 TFSI version which means a petrol-powered car with the backing of a turbo-charger. The new-generation models have an engine downsize to 0.9 litres and three-cylinders in configuration to give impressively smooth power delivery.

I’ve always felt that the Audi treatment of this size of car is a little special. Some of the technical bits feel stronger, from the five-stud axles to the bigger brake discs. All features give this small car a more confident feel and you’re not always sure why.

The Audi A1 doors are solid to feel and touch while the boot is larger than some of the competition.

The same applies to the new-generation Audi A1. That confident feel is retained and there’s a lovely handling experience to the car, not too much unlike that of a Mini but with more space and in my experience, more comfort.

This three-cylinder engine is the entry-level version of the A1 that’s now available. Gone too is the diesel version, which in 2018 accounted for almost 14% of Audi A1 sales. For small cars like the A1, it is petrol or electric for the future. What is interesting is that there is still a diesel following for the A1 with almost 26% of used imported models this year being diesel-powered, but it is dropping.

The car is pleasant to drive and the relatively small steering wheel is proportionate to the size of the car. That leaves lots of air space to see and use of the car’s features and, thankfully, these are more luxury on the entry models than in the past.

The new Audi A1 dash is modern, with large screens and a clean layout.

That means this Audi A1 competes in my book with the likes of the Mini, Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo. If money was no object, I think that I would still opt for the A1 now that the specification levels have increased. In some ways, I would be tempted to see if Audi can deliver an electric-powered A1 and would that not complete the dream? A superb looking small car and economical electric power.

As it is, the Audi A1 is relatively efficient with a rating of 18.5km/litre (5.4/100km or 52mpg). Out on the road, I achieved close to that figure running over 700km on a 40-litre fuel tank. That converts to a figure that’s refreshingly near the rated figure to give more owner confidence. It’s a good economy match for the above competition and has the bonus of delivering a more lively acceleration on the road.

The engine is so smooth that you need to keep an eye on the rev counter and adjust the six-speed gear changes because of its lively pace and smooth running. It is too easy to unknowingly creep over the 2,000rpm rating as you exceed 100km/hr, which will add to the running costs.

The layout of the dash is more modern than in the past. The infotainment dials are clear to view, while the digital dials in the dash behind the steering wheel offer new features. The dials light up after dark and the lighting intensity can be changed.

The car has a more spacious boot than in the past, but there is no spare wheel included.

The boot claims a capacity of 335 litres, just marginally smaller than the Volkswagen Polo. The hatchback opening is easy and feels light as does the front bonnet opening for routine servicing.

Big wheels give the car a strong stance on the road. That helps when supported by more muscular tyres which add to the overall look and feel of the car.

But there is an expensive price tag for the Audi A1. Entry prices start at €25,450 or £17,735 in Northern Ireland, which is more expensive than even the Mini One. The prestige feel to the Audi A1 comes at a price that’s difficult to justify when it carries a price premium of more than €7,000 when compared with Ford’s popular Fiesta.

The Audi A1 has a different driving experience to it. There is a more solid feel to the small car but the price tag is part of the reason that it has this year already recorded a 55% growing following among the secondhand imports, especially when we see the Northern Ireland price levels. This is a great small car that we would all like to drive, but not at that price.