In late 2010, Audi entered the light-car segment with the Volkswagen Polo-based A1 hatch, joining a section of the market where neither of its primary rivals, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, offered a challenger.

Nine years on, the German car-maker has reloaded with the all-new, second-generation A1 while the light-car segment is dying a slow death at the hands of ever-popular small SUVs.

Nevertheless, the A1 has a crucial role to play for Audi as it is a vehicle that will draw new buyers to the brand for the first time and hopefully retain customers to the Four Rings.

Does the new A1 have what it takes to stay relevant in a diminishing segment?