1.6 TDI Sport 3dr Hatchback

Superb cabin, woeful economy and average quality

The cabin is beautifully built from high quality materials with a wonderful feel, it really does feel like it is in a different world from other cars in its class. Clearly a super mini is never going to rival an MPV for practicality but the two front seats are comfortable and supportive with bags of space whilst the two rear seats (and it is two, no central seat belt) are perfectly usable by adults and more than spacious enough for children. The boot is small but OK for the weekly shop and long weekends. The car is stylish and handles well, although it lacks the go-kart excitement of a Mini it feels well planted and safe. So far so good however it then goes downhill. The fuel economy is woeful, 46mpg typical average for a car with a brochure mpg of 74 and I am not a fast driver. On a long run at 70mph I get about 60mpg average. The 1.6TDI is a good engine but the five speed gear box with widely spaced ratios sucks the life out of the engine and makes it feel leaden yet the exact same engine in the A3 with a six speed box, a heavier car, feels flexible and strong and a completely different engine. Quality other than touch point quality has been average, a blown MMI screen needing replacement, a DPF with multiple faults and some rattles and squeaks have appeared in the cabin. Given the price I'd expect better, and why the car doesn't have a six speed box I have no idea.

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