I went to my dealer and had a spin in an A2 1.4 petrol and a 1.4 Tdi one afternoon, just for no reason other than to try them out really (my dealer doesn't mind, they lend me anything in the showroom - they even lent me an S8 overnight just because I asked).

Good bits: The driving position is great for a town car, nice and high up for good visibility. The handling is neat and precise as you would expect of an Audi and the interior is tidy and well put together. The luggage space is OK, small footprint but deep - if you wanted the weeks groceries in it you would need to fit shelves! Fuel economy I couldn't comment on - not enough test miles to tell really, but the figures speak wonders.

Bad bits: Driving an A6 2.7T has spoilt me and it felt somewhat underpowered, especially pulling out of busy junctions. It would be not much fun with 5 adults in (there's enough room!) and I can imagine it taking a long time to stop when near maximum loading weight. The engines are both quite a puller at low RPMs (especially the Tdi), but start to flag easily above 3500 rpm - there's hardly ever any point taking them above that really.

Other bits: It's a lot of money for a small car, but it's an Audi and has all the Audi trimmings and quality. Overall I quite like it and I would not be ashamed to be seen in one.

Now, when's the S2 going to come out then? Turbocharged 1.4 engine and Quattro? That would be a seriously fun thing to drive and I'd seriously consider one!