WITH Audi's history of sporting cars, I knew it wouldn't be long before there was an S version of the little A1 supermini.

And what a fantastic pocket rocket it is. I recently stole a short drive in one at a Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders event and it carried the S1 badge with pride.

With 231bhp on tap from a smooth turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, quattro four wheel drive and light weight, performance is brilliant.

It hits 60mph from rest in under six seconds and on the German autobahn or a racing circuit, will reach a heady 155 miles an hour.

Yet it's also tractable and easy to drive, with an easy-changing six-speed gearbox and a reasonably light clutch.

All wheel drive means traction and road holding are amazing. It takes the corners with tremendous ease yet comfort is also reasonably good.

The seats are very supportive and have adjustment to fit all and the cockpit is beautifully driver-focussed.

Equipment is quite sparse for this kind of money - which is often the Audi way - so the basic price can go up by many thousands when extras like the £1,245 Quattro styling pack are added.