New Mini 5dr vs Audi A1 Sportback vs Ford Fiesta
The Mini hatch has had a revamp to keep the likes of the Audi A1 and Ford Fiesta Vignale on their toes. Which is the best premium small car?...
Our verdict
If we’d said at the start that a Fiesta would run a Mini fag-paper close in a premium small car comparison, you’d question what was in the What Car? coffee, right? As it happens, the Mini does squeak the win, because it’s more practical overall, classier inside and quieter on the move, plus it has a better infotainment system. So, while it’s more expensive, it’s worth it.
But the Fiesta still seems remarkably good value when you consider all the kit you get, including the standard safety aids, and if you’re a keen driver you’ll find it more rewarding than the Mini. With a more distinguished interior or better infotainment system, first place might have been on the cards.
It would take a whole new car for the A1 to pull itself up from last place. It impresses as far as performance, driver enjoyment and quality go, but it’s well off the pace in other areas. Good job for Audi that an all-new A1 will arrive later this year, then.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
1st – Mini 5dr
For Calmest ride; quietest on the move; smart interior; roomiest in the front; flexible boot; best infotainment
Against Priciest to buy and run; key safety equipment optional; so-so handling
Recommended options Driving Assistant Pack (£800)
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full Mini 5dr review
Find a great Mini 5dr deal
2nd – Ford Fiesta
For Sweet handling; most well equipped; biggest boot; lots of safety kit; brilliant driving position; affordable to buy and run
Against Iffy interior quality; standard panoramic roof cuts head room; tight for rear leg room
Recommended options LED headlights (£600)
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full Ford Fiesta review
Find a great Ford Fiesta deal
3rd – Audi A1 Sportback
For Sharpest to drive; sparkling performance; superbly finished interior
Against Firmest ride; noisiest at speed; mediocre infotainment; poorly equipped; tight for rear leg room; small boot
Recommended options Metallic paint (£390)
Rated 3 out of 5
Read our full Audi A1 Sportback review
Find a great Audi A1 Sportback deal
Specifications: Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI 125 S line Nav
Engine size 4cyl, 1395cc, turbo, petrol
List price £20,895
Target Price £19,993
Power 123bhp @ 5000rpm
Torque 148Ib ft @ 1400-4000rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 8.3sec
Top speed 127mph
Gov't fuel economy 55.4mpg
CO2 emissions 119g/km
Specifications: Ford Fiesta 1.0T Ecoboost 140 Vignale 5dr
Engine size 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
List price £21,295
Target Price £19,767
Power 138bhp @ 6000rpm
Torque 133Ib ft @ 1500-5000rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 9.0sec
Top speed 125mph
Gov't fuel economy 58.8mpg
CO2 emissions 110g/km
Specifications: Mini 5dr Cooper Chili/Nav Plus
Engine size 3cyl, 1499cc, turbo, petrol
List price £22,845
Target Price £21,519
Power 138bhp @ 6000rpm
Torque 133Ib ft @ 1500-5000rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 8.5sec
Top speed 129mph
Gov't fuel economy 54.3mpg
Best estate cars 2024 – the top choices for luggage capacity
An estate car needs to be practical, but the best models are also comfortable, well equipped and affordable to run. Here we reveal our top 10 buys – and the estates to steer clear of
