2018 Audi A1 vs Mini Cooper

What's the difference?

Scenario: You're a wealthy person. The kind of person that doesn't blink at dropping almost 40 Gs on a small car.

You're probably looking at the Audi A1 because one of your offspring (let's say Victoria or Rupert...) wants a new car and thinks the A1 is 'cute'. You don't mind so much, because the hire car you travel to work in from your home (in let’s say Vaucluse or Toorak…) is an Audi A8 and that's sufficiently posh to uphold your family standards.

Well, before you proceed you could at least read on, because I can give you some reasons why that might be a good idea, some reasons why it isn't, and one very important reason why you should at least wait a couple of months.

I want to hug you. Or maybe we could just high five if you’re uncomfortable with the whole hugging thing. Why? You’re looking at buying a Mini Hatch or Convertible, that’s why. And that’s not a decision somebody makes lightly.

See, Minis are small, but they’re not cheap; and they’re so different looking that if they were a fish many people would throw it back if they caught one. But for those brave enough to buy a Mini the rewards these little cars will give you in return could make you a fan for life. 

So, what are those rewards? What are the downsides you really should know about? And what did we learn about the new Mini Hatch and Convertible at their Australian launch recently?