More photos, details of new Audi A1 (2010)

Audi has started the countdown to the official unveiling of the new 2010 A1 supermini. Ahead of the A1’s world premiere at the 2010 Geneva motor show in March, Ingolstadt has launched a 22-step (yes, there are 22 parts to this tease) programme that will showcase Audi's new Mini challenger over the next three months.

Rather than write 22 separate stories on the new 2010 Audi A1, we thought it'd serve you better to add all the updates to a single page. So come back to this page over the next few weeks as we upload all the Audi A1 photos and Audi A1 news.

Today, they've released an oh-so-revealing side profile sketch of the A1, as well as photos of the heavily accented, LED-squinting headlamps.

First there was a video statement from Audi chairman Rupert Stadler, outlining his vision for the A1. ‘Our goal with the A1 is a bold one: to repeat the success that we have enjoyed with the A3 in the compact segment,’ says Stadler. ‘Its mission is clear: to condense all of Audi's virtues into a car that is less than four meters long. With the A1 we're opening another door into the world of premium cars.’

There’s also a video with Audi’s head of design Stefan Sielaff, who talks about the design of the A1 and gives us a hint of how much of the two previous concept cars will make production. ‘Audi is renowned for taking a lot of features of its show cars into series production,' says Sielaff. 'The roof arch is a unique characteristic of the Tokyo show car; there is a certain dynamism in the flow of the A- and C-pillars.’

We’ll know whether Sielaff’s telling the truth come early February 2010 when the A1 will be unveiled online – the motor show debut in Geneva will be a month later. Ahead of those dates Audi has created Facebook, YouTube and Twitter sites for the A1, and in the coming weeks there’ll be everything from Q&A sessions with Audi’s R&D boss Michael Dick, to releases on the design of the A1’s air vents.

A three-door version of the A1 is due for launch first, and a five-door Sportback will follow. After that there should be a convertible and a Q1 SUV as well. UK sales will start in September 2010 and with prices from around £11,000.

By Ben Pulman