Twin review: Mini One vs Audi A1

Small cars these days are not as cheap as they once were.

Just a few minutes in a Ford dealer can have you looking at more than £15,000 for even a mid-range version of the nation’s best-selling car, the Fiesta. Perhaps something a bit posher for similar money would fit the bill instead?

Enter Audi and British BMW-owned small car expert Mini. Both will sell you entry-level versions of their small cars, the A1 SE three-door and Mini One hatch, for well under £15k.

But a posh badge can only go so far. Question is, do they still have premium appeal in their most basic forms?

Both get off to a good start on the road, because both have turbocharged engines. The Mini’s 1.2-litre is actually a bit more powerful, so is the faster of the two. Despite a few flat spots, it generally feels stronger and more flexible than the Audi’s 1.0-litre. The A1 needs more revs, although it is smoother, quieter and easier to drive.

The Mini is, predictably, a blast through the corners. It’s quick-witted and chuckable, with all the playfulness this cute car’s renowned for. Saying that, the A1 is perhaps even more impressive, as it’s eager, better-balanced and has more grip. The pay-off is a choppy ride. Surprisingly, the Mini is a little more forgiving and more composed at speed.

Inside, it’s the Audi that feels more grown up. The driving position is much better, quality is a bit higher and it’s all well laid out and easy to use. The Mini’s interior is more logical than previous versions, but still not particularly functional. It’s not as cramped in the back as you might imagine, though – indeed, it has a bit more headroom and legroom than the A1.

The Audi has a bigger boot, although the latest Mini does have a much larger load area than original models. Crucially, neither is quite as functional as a Ford Fiesta, and only the Audi delivers genuinely premium refinement. The Mini has more road noise, particularly at speed. Coarse road surfaces can be particularly raucous. That upright windscreen generates more wind noise as well.

Given how the Mini has never been the cheapest small car to buy, it’s surprising to discover the Mini One has the cheapest asking price here. Add in discounts and it has an £850 advantage over the A1, but the Audi will retain more after three years, and cost a little less to insure. Overall, it’s probably evens in terms of costs.