Audi A1

Alongside the new BMW 5 Series, the Audi A1 is arguably the most important production debut of the show. Sharing its platform with the Polo, the A1 benefits from some exceptional (if predictable) attention to detail, that successfully distances it from its VW cousin, creating a truly premium small hatch in the process.

Somewhat familiar thanks to a drawn out launch process that began with the Metroproject Quattro of 2007, the production A1 employs Audi's defining design language, with almost perfect wheel-to-body ratio, and a very deep-section shoulder for a small car, which helps the A1 appear much less tall and narrow than it actually is and contributing to its impressively 'planted' stance. The shoulder is defined by a pronounced feature line that runs right around the car, from atop the six-point Audi grille, the clamshell hood shut line, and wrapping round the rear of the car to define a deep section for the upper surface of the trunk. The rear has a much more pronounced bustle than one expects, while the C-pillar and rear-three quarter section is reminiscent of the Fiat 500 from certain angles.

Inside, the single piece molded dash removes any requirement to try and disguise joins between upper and lower dash areas, leaving a single, unbroken expanse of soft-touch plastic, which sets new standards for quality in this segment. As we have come to expect from Audi, tolerances and radiuses everywhere in the cabin are millimeter perfect. The camera-inspired bezels used for the HVAC, audio controls and air vents are simply exquisite to hold and use, while piano gloss trim on the steering wheel and air-vent surrounds subtly lifts the interior ambience, working well with the range of more expressive materials and color finishes available on the seats.

We find it hard to fault the A1, a car that seems almost guaranteed to be a wild sales success. Yet that can't stop us from wishing that Audi had played things a little less safe.