Audi has released the first details of its new A1 which will hope to topple Mini from its domination of the premium supermini sector.Audi A1

The new car will be positioned below the A3 and order books will open in May with sales starting in October.

Prices are expected to start from £13,000 with the three-door version on sale first, with a five-door version following in 2011 and a cabriolet and sporty S1 version to come in 2012.

Customers will initially be able to choose from three a 1.2 TFSI, 1.4 TFSI petrol and a 1.6 TDI diesel initially in the UK, with all featuring engine start-stop and recuperation technology.

More details will be confirmed at the Geneva Motor Show in March.