THE Audi A1 S line is the ideal small car in almost every way.

In 1.6 TDI form, it's reasonably quick and very refined, with plenty of punch in the mid-range when needed and excellent economy.

The Audi A1 I drove managed a real 52 miles per gallon without very much work on my part, so I would imagine it's capable of over 60 with careful driving.

It was fitted with the expensive but absolutely superb twin clutch DSG automatic gearbox and, with seven speeds, it always seems to be in the right gear.

Changes are far quicker than anyone can do it in a manual and it really is the best automatic in the world.

It has Drive, Sport and Manual modes and, in that manual setting, you can change gear using up and down paddles behind the steering wheel.

Sadly though, with Audis, the paddles turn with the wheel, making them very difficult to use in corners.

Also, the gearbox is so good in Drive that few owners would dream of using anything else.

The steering is brilliant, with loads of feel through the leather covered multi-function wheel giving marvellous handling.

Road holding is also sublime, with very good balance helping towards tremendous grip and huge fun.

Sadly, the sports suspension fitted to my test car left it with a knobbly, unsettled and often uncomfortable ride on all but the smoothest surfaces.

This was too wearing for me on a longer journey and simply not worthy of the rest of the car.

The Audi has an excellent cabin layout and the driving position is perfect, but if a taller person is driving, there is no rear legroom behind, making it a three seater at best.

At this level I would normally expect climate, cruise and rear parking sensors to be standard but they are extra, and cost a total of £900.

Standard equipment does include stability control, aircon, alloys, DAB stereo with aux inputs, split fold back seat and remote locking.

But the heated leather and suede seats fitted are an extra £1,465, and the sat nav is £570.