AUDI pays homage to Japan's flair for miniaturisation with a new compact concept that will pave the way for its forthcoming A1 series model.

The metroproject quattro design study measures 3,910mm in length, 1,750mm in width and 1,400mm high which undercuts the current Audi A3 while retaining similar family design traits.

The interior offers four individual seats and 240 litres of luggage space.

Power is provided by a modified version of the 1.4-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine from the A3, combined with a lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor mounted behind the rear seats.

The petrol engine offers an increased 150bhp while the electric motor adds 41bhp, which when working in unison allows the metroproject to accelerate from rest to 62mph in 7.8 seconds.

Delivered via the S tronic dual-clutch transmission it culminates in a top speed of 124mph while returning 57.6mpg, coupled with a tax busting C02 output of 112g/km.

If the driver opts for electric operation alone it is able to cover up to 62 miles at speeds of up to 62mph completely cleanly, While only the petrol engine is running drive is to the front wheels, and while powered by the electric motor on the back axle alone it is effectively rear-wheel-driven. When the two operate simultaneously it has four-wheel-drive.

The McPherson strut front and four-link rear suspension configuration plus electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering and Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping technology can all be manipulated through Audi's drive select system introduced recently in the all new A4 Saloon.

Highlight of the cabin is the new, removable hand-held Audi mobile device, which offers mobile telephone connection, GPS navigation and audio and video playback and also serves as the control unit for numerous vehicle systems which can be set and adjusted from outside the car.

The driver can, for example, enter destinations into the satellite navigation unit, program the audio system or switch on the heating from the comfort of an armchair at home before setting off.