The good news is the striptease is over and Audi has finally unveiled the A1 in full detail. The bad news is it's still not expected to arrive in Australia until next year.

As the smallest Audi in the range, the A1 has its sights set firmly on taking BMW's MINI and the rest of the growing luxury compact segment. But while Europeans will get the opportunity to buy one from July, interested Aussies will have to wait until 2011.

As these images show, the A1 closely resembles the many concepts Audi has shown over the years; not to mention the rest of the four-ringed brand's range. Short overhangs, a squat stance and customisable roof arches give the A1 the stylish appearance needed to tackle the MINI, Alfa Romeo MiTo and forthcoming Citroen DS3.

Power for the A1 comes from the choice of four engines -- two diesels and two petrol units -- each featuring the latest fuel-saving technology from the brand; including direct-injection, start-stop and energy recuperation systems.

The 1.6-litre TDI engines are available with either 66kW or 77kW, while the petrol engines pump out 63kW (1.2 TFSI) and 90kW (1.4 TFSI). Fuel consumption for each engine is claimed to lie between 3.8 and 5.4L/100km.

Power is transferred to the ground via the front wheels only, so no trademark Audi quattro system. There are three gearboxes available, a five and six-speed manual and a seven-speed S tronic (Audi speak for dual-clutch transmission).

The four-seater features the best of Audi's in-car entertainment system, MMI navigation plus, which caters for iPods and MP3 players; befitting a car aimed at young buyers.

Pricing details haven't been released by Audi Australia but expect the A1 to start around the same price point as the MINI, in the low-$30,000 range but with plenty of options to customize it to individual tastes.

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