MOTOR companies have a habit of coming up with something special in order to grab the limelight at the annual Geneva Motor Show.

In 2010 it was Audi's turn to sparkle when they showed off their new A1 supermini, complete with competitive price tag that was a major surprise in itself.

And if you though that the inexpensive price tag meant Audi's meticulous standards had slipped a bit, then you had better think again. For the A1 carried forward all the premium brand's blue-blooded DNA every inch of the way.

The A1 was Audi through-and-through. The cabin was perfection and a beautiful place to spend any time. The fittings, plastics and fabrics were all of the quality we have come to expect from the brand, while the instruments, vents, dashboard and switchgear were also immediately recognisable as throughbred Audi, carrying forward the basic design cues that feature throughout the marque's ever-expandng range.

Initially, there was a choice of two TFSI petrol engines of 1.2-litre or 1.4-litre displacement, along with a 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel, while three trim levels - SE, Sport and S Line - were very much in line with other brand offerings.

From a comfort point of view at least, you couldn't go far wrong with one of the lead-in models, for the SE offered a more supple ride than its Sport and S Line siblings, which both sat on larger wheels and came with much firmer suspension settings.

Smooth, quiet, yet sprightly on the hoof, the diesel SE turned out to be one of the finest superminis money could buy and it certainly ticked all my boxes.

Utilising the VW group platform used on the Skoda Fabia, VW Polo and SEAT Ibiza, Audi engineers lowered the ride height and extended the track, the end result was that the engaging ride the A1 offered was simply amazing.

The little hatchback simply revelled on twisting, country roads, gripping the black stuff as if it was travelling on rails, while the nicely-balanced steering offered just the correct amount of feedback to keep the driver fully engaged.

From a safety point of view, the A1 was also well catered for. An array of airbags, anti-lock brakes and a host of other high-tech aids, including stability control with electronic differential lock, helped the car gain five stars in NCAP tests.

Other features also included daytime running lights, air con, electric windows and mirrors, CD sound system and alloy wheels.

While the price of the entry-level 1.2-litre petrol car was no doubt something of a snip, for buyers seeking out real economy the slightly more expensive 1.6-litre, 103bhp oilburner had to be the star act.

Aided by the car's start/stop system, fuel consumption for the combined cycle came in at an impressive 70mpg, while CO2 emissions were kept in check at just 105g/km, and with a top speed of 118mph and a standing-to-62mph dash time of 10.5 seconds, there was more than enough power for safe overtaking.

Prices for a 2010 59-plate 1.6-litre TDI diesel in SE trim with 60,000 miles will set you back from £6,675 to £9,410, while a 2011 61-plate with around 50,000 miles on the clock will cost from £7,495 to £10,020.

For those seeking out an all-singing, all-dancing S Line model, then prices will rise by anything up to £2,000.