SAFE AUDI A1 COULD COST AN ARM AND A LEG

Audi’s A1 is set to be launched in South Africa at the end of January 2011. The small, short premium hatch is Audi’s answer to cars like the Alfa Romeo Mito and the Citroen DS3. Good news for those who’ve already put their names down is that it has received a five-star rating at the Euro NCAP safety tests, which means it is one of the safest cars not only in its class, but in the world in general.

Possible bad news is that prices will not be low. In Europe these cars start at around €15 800 which is about R145 000 in direct currency exchange rate. With additions such as government taxes and import duties we will probably see an entry-level A1 1.2 TSI coming in at at least R190 000.