CarBuyersNoteBook

Audi E1

Latest reports indicate a new mini car from Audi will be set up to do battle with the likes of Ford’s Ka, Toyota iQ and the Fiat 500. The car is expected to be called the E1 and it is to be the introduction to a range of new ‘ecological’ models’, which will cover everything from minicars to performance models. Power is expected to come from a 600cc turbocharged two-cylinder engine -either petrol or diesel.

This car will be underpowered for extended highway use, but with CO2 emissions under 100g/km and about 80mpg (2.9L/100km) fuel efficiency, according to AutoExpress, the E1 will be a low-tax, easy tool to get around any major city. An electric powertrain is also being considered, but as yet no details on its capabilities are available.