Audi A1 out testing in China

The Audi A1 has only just gone on the market in Europe following its Geneva launch in early 2010, but it appears that Audi are moving fast to get it on the market in China also.

The premium super mini segment has so far been controlled by MINI, but with Audi and BMW both having designs on the segment it appears that it might be hotting up faster than we think.

The BMW 1-Series is expected to go into production via the BMW-Brilliance joint venture in Shanghai, alongside the BMW X1 SUV later this year or in early 2011, so Audi are expected to follow suit by launching a Chinese built A1.

Initially it is expected to be imported into China, but if demand is high then a Chinese built one will follow soon, this is the same method as used with the Audi Q5 which was first imported and then built locally.

Pricing is of course unannounced but is expected to be in the 200,000rmb marker, the same as the MINI series of cars.