Over the past 2 years there has been a lot of news surrounding various different types of supermini. Defined as being smaller than a small family car (such as a Ford Focus) but larger than a city car (the Ford Ka being a prime example of a city car), they have hit the headlines in recent months for a range of different reasons, from the Seat Ibiza being recommended as a fantastic supermini by HPI, the vehicle information group in September 2009, to Autotrader releasing a list of their top ten superminis in early 2010, which featured some fantastic, massively popular cars.
Known primarily for the larger, executive cars that they produce, Audi are due to enter the UK market with their very first supermini, the A1, in the summer of 2010, much to the excitement of many in the motor industry.
Firstly, it has to be noted that Audi released the A2 from 1999 to 2005 and although this was classed as a supermini by some, it was in fact a compact MPV primarily, hence the reason why the A1 is being dubbed the first supermini to be produced by Audi.
Displayed originally at the Geneva Motor Show between 4 and 14 March 2010, the A1 was just one of over 80 new cars displayed, ranging from the new Nissan Juke due for release in 2011 to the special edition Jaguar XKR, also due to be in dealerships in 2011.
Although there are several superminis currently on the market, CAR Magazine are anticipating that the A1 is to be the main competitor to the Mini, the original, traditional and most recognizable in the supermini car class.
When both the 3 and 5 door versions enter the Audi dealers, the A1 is expected to have three different engine sizes and three varying transmissions. With the latter, all will be manual in the UK and will be a 5, 6 or 7 speed, whilst the engine sizes start at a 1.2 litre petrol and end with a 1.6 litre diesel, with a 1.4 litre petrol also available.
In addition to the transmissions and engine sizes, Audi have confirmed on their website that the A1 is to be produced with three trims; SE, Sport and S line, with the latter two possessing sports suspension and larger alloy wheels to name just two of the differences from the SE base trim.
One of the most prominent features of the A1 is that it is particularly environmentally friendly, including a whole host of different eco-caring features. For example, all models are to be installed with Stop-Start technology, which shuts off the engine when not in use, even temporarily, therefore reducing emissions. Furthermore, Audi have displayed two electronic concept versions of the A1, known as the A1 e-tron and the metroproject quattro.
Expected to be in Audi dealers around the UK in September 2010, a few months after it hits the Audi dealers on the continent, it is widely believed that it will be well received by the public, due largely to its stunning design and eco-friendliness.
Author Resource:-
Jardine Motors Group UK operates a large portfolio of specialist franchises of the world's most prestigious marques, including Audi dealers.
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