Audi to produce speedy supermini

In a bid to rival the Mini Cooper and Polo Gti, German supremo's Audi are set to produce a nippy version of their A1 supermini.

Rather than enticing young drivers with a penchant for speed, this Audi will appeal to a more grown-up audience with cash for cars with an abundance of class.

The fast A1 variant is to be called the S1 but this is all Audi is willing to release to the public so far. However, with the rumour mill already working overtime, it's anticipated that the super-supermini will be equipped with a turbo 1.4 litre engine akin to the Ibiza Cupra. Experts at Top Gear even predict that the S1 could fit a 2 litre engine in, making for an unbelievably responsive drive that could offer up to 200 bhp. Even the Polo Gti couldn't beat that sort of performance...

On the outside, the S1 is reportedly to be given deep bumpers, chrome mirrors and the obligatory bad boy alloys, as well as lowered ride height.

Audi development mogul, Michael Dick spoke to Auto Car about the rumours, giving buyers a sneak preview into the new car, saying: ''A great deal of attention has been paid to tuning the front end, particularly the properties of the bushes and the electric steering rack - we've found an excellent combination of steering feel and overall grip.''

The S1 is approximately a year away from sale, but early estimates suggest that the nippy supermini will cost £19,000.