JEZ SPINKS

New A1 will be sporty and customisable … just like BMW’s iconic British hatch.

Audi has revealed the production version of its new Mini rival.

The A1 will become the smallest Audi on the market when it reaches Australia in late 2010, with the German car maker saying it will feature multiple customisation options and sporty driving characteristics just like BMW’s iconic hatch.

Audi says the three-door A1 is targeted at younger buyers and will feature a high level of individualisation. The company, however, has also warned the hatchback is not going to be cheap for a small car, with pricing expected to follow the Mini with a starting point in the low-$30,000 bracket.

The four-seat interior will offer connections for Bluetooth and portable music players such as iPhones, as well as infotainment and multimedia systems based on those used in the company’s more expensive luxury vehicles.

Different seat colours are one of the options buyers will have to individualise the A1’s interior, while contrasting paint for the car’s roof arches will also be available.

The contrasting roof arches featured on the 2007 Metroproject quattro concept that closely previewed the A1, which is based on the same underpinnings as the forthcoming Volkswagen Polo.

The production A1 hatchback retains the arched shape and short overhangs of the concept, and is easily identified as an Audi by design cues such as the dominant grille, LED daytime running lights and sharply styled head- and tail-lights.

At 3950mm in length, the A1 is 251mm longer than a Mini Cooper hatch. It should also be more practical, with more boot space (267 v 160 litres).

The A1 is also set to be Audi’s most fuel efficient model, launching with four four-cylinder engines featuring both turbocharging and direct injection and ranging in consumption from 3.8 to 5.4 litres per 100km.

Engines include two 1.6-litre turbo diesels with 66kW and 77kW of power respectively, and two turbo petrols comprising 63kW 1.2-litre and 90kW 1.4-litre.

A seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual will be a cost alternative to the standard manual gearbox.

Stop-start and regenerative brakes will contribute to efficiency, while the 1.2-litre engine also benefits from a new temperature management system.

Five-door and convertible versions of the A1 are expected to follow the three-door, as well as S1 and RS1 performance versions.