THERE can be few cars that won so many accolades within such a short time of arriving as the Audi A1.

And having driven two or three different versions I can see what all those car award judges meant.

The A1 is Audi's answer to the MINI Cooper and it drives like a dream. It's also one of the classiest cars in the bracket.

The ride is lumpy over rougher surfaces at slow speeds and it's only a three seater if there's a tall driver, but those are its only faults.

The smooth range of petrol engines starts with an 85bhp 1.2-litre, followed by a 1.4-litre with 120bhp and the range topping 180bhp 1.4-litre.

Diesels are the standard VW range 105bhp 1.6-litre and 140bhp 2.0-litre.

Drive is to the front via a six-speed manual gearbox and the ride smoothes out at speed.

The driving position is excellent for all sizes and the handling and road-holding are wonderful, with huge grip.

Audi A1's come with a lovely, soft-feel leather covered steering wheel, well shaped hip and back hugging seats, MP3 stereo, climate and self-levelling headlights.

It has traction and stability control, alloys, electric front windows, 60/40 split fold back seat, voice activation and a trip computer.

: MINI Cooper