THE A1 may be the starting point of the Audirange but it offers the same style and quality of its larger siblings.

The second generation modelarrived at the start of this year and it has grown two inches larger than its predecessor.

It may share engines and other parts with the VW Polo and Skoda Fabia but the A1 has much more class and quality to justify its greater price.

Matching the current trend diesels have been ditchedand replaced by the latest versions of Audi's small turbo-charged petrol engines and the newcomer is also only available with five doors.

The extra length means that there is more room inside for passengers and luggage space also increases to 335 litres or 1,090 litres with the rear seats folded.

That means that the A1 will now appeal to family buyers as well as to trendy singles.

I sampled the car with the confusingly named 30 TFSI engine which is good for 116ps and is silky smooth. It boasts a top speed of 126mph and tackles the sprint to 62mph in 9.5 seconds.

Combined with a nice six-speed manual gearbox this Sport model has a starting price of £19,160 and should be good for up to 52mpg depending on which wheels you choose. Emissions are 108g/km.

Agile and nippy the A1 Sportback is an ideal companion in town but it is also great to drive on country roads and cruises comfortably and quietly on motorways.

The steering is sharp and provides lots of feedback and the ride is good with the suspension soaking up all but the worst of potholes.

The cabin is as stylish as any large Audi and the instruments and controls are all nice to use and easy to read and surrounded by quality materials. There is full smartphone connectivity and a decent sound system with the option to upgrade.

There is room for four to travel in comfort and buyers have the chance to personalise the space by choosing from a large range of colours.

Standard equipment on the Sport model is fairly generous and you can add to that by ticking the tempting Audi options.

This particular car had nice Misano red paint at £575, 10 spoke alloys at £250, an advanced key costing £400, interior ambient lights at £150, heated front seats £300, a centre armrest at £150, dual zone climate control at £450, a technology pack at £1,650 and a tinted sunshield on the windscreen at £65.

The A1 also features the latest safety technology and again there is the option to add to the standard.