Well done, James – I know what a long, convoluted process our choice of car can be! The A1 seems a good car; was near top of my shortlist but the 2dr Cooper S won in the end on performance, handling and two doors (easier to get in and out) . However, if the 40tfsi A1 had been on list I’d probably have gone for it (it is, after all, under 200bhp and well under £30K).
Now, about the Giulia… no, I must put it behind me and welcome my level-headed, rational choice…. sob!