This is what the soon-to-be-released Audi A1 is probably going to look like when the preproduction model debuts at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Reminiscent of a shrunken A3, this little hatchback is being punted as a premium product by Audi’s marketing gurus and is aiming to compete with BMW’s incredibly successful MINI Cooper and Cooper S models that dominate this section of the market. Based on the new Volkswagen Polo – a car that was yesterday dubbed Europe’s Car of The Year – the A1 will be fitted with a new generation of small capacity engines that deliver high power outputs without huffing out heavy emissions or consuming unnecessary amounts of fuel. In terms of availability, sales are expected to commence in late 2010. Speed freaks will be pleased to know that a tar-ripping S1 model is pipped to join the range at a later stage. Classy and refined, you can expect the A1 to come hitched to a sizable price-tag; various online reports estimating that, once equipped with all the toys that most buyers are likely to spec, an on-the-road A1 will set you back about £20 000 – considerably more than the brilliant MINI Cooper S. And I know which of the two I’d rather have in my garage…