Fresh Cars for Summer and Autumn

The Audi A1 is the German company's first supermini since the under-performing A2. Unlike the latter however the A1 looks set to provide some serious competition in the much sought-after Mini market. Its release date is early autumn this year.

With three engines on offer (a 1.2 TFSI, 1.4 TFSI with either 85bhp or 120bhp plus a 1.6 TDI with 104bhp), the little Audi A1 also boasts three trim levels. The basic SE version features 15in alloys and a generous package including stop-start technology, a multimedia screen, air conditioning and more.

The Sport meanwhile features 16in alloys, a trip computer and sports seats. Those who want to glam up their A1 can plump for the top-of-the-range S line trim which offers 17in alloys, sports suspension and a decidedly tasteful bodykit.

AUDI A1 INTERIOR

As with the Mini you can customise your Audi A1 interior and exterior.

The car's roof arch can be optioned in different colours, as can the new car's bodywork. On the inside you can personalise your interior with even the sleeves of the car's bold air vents being painted in the colour of your choice.

Orders are being taken now for the new Audi A1 with prices starting from £13,145. The first deliveries of this diminutive and potentially market-changing car are expected to start in October.

ANOTHER THREAT TO MINI

Another potential threat to the Mini's allure is Nissan's extraordinary-looking crossover, the Juke (from £13,000 approx.) The Juke will touch down on these shores in October.

BMW isn't taking the threat of the A1 and Juke lightly. In September BMW will launch the four-door version of the Mini in the chunky shape of the Countryman (from £16,000). This ambitious crossover will offer consumers a chunked-up version of the Mini's standard features and has four-wheel drive as an option if extra grip is required around Chelsea.

NEW ALFA GIULIETTA

In the meantime, hatchback fans can look forward to Italian flair in the shapely form of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (from £16,995), already receiving warm reviews for its decent handling and Golf-like fit and finish.

If you're after sportiness without the large carbon footprint you should check out the incoming Honda CR-Z (from £16,999). This might be the world's first hybrid to look good and be worthy. Offering a sporty ride and accomplished handling, the Honda manages a combined mpg of 56.4 with low CO2 emissions of 117g/km.

ANOTHER NEW AUDI

For those of you who need pure thrills and aren't worried about price, then the coming months are packed with top drawer metal. There's the electrifying Audi R8 Spyder (£111,995) which goes and handles as well as it looks, and also the Ferrari F458 Italia (£175,000 est.)

If you need practicality to go with your power bill then Bentley's flagship, the four-door Mulsanne, should fit the bill. The Mulsanne is expected to cost an estimated £220,000.