well i dont think it is Mini that is its competition.. rather Golf's, Focus's, etc, etc... cars in the similar price range.

 

People in Europe do not mind paying premium for small luxurious cars, it is trend that is emerging lately. So basically it is like this - you are looking for Yaris/Polo, and question is - do you want to spend $2k more (from best of the best versions of Yaris/Polo) and get A1? Or.... you are looking for Golf/Auris... and do you really need that big of an car? Why not buy A1 that is more luxurious but smaller.

 

I never stated that the Ford Ka was a premium car, because I know it isn't one. My comment emphasized how the exterior design of the new Ka can easily pass off as premium-looking. This is the case with many newer smaller economy cars.

The Fiat 500 could pass for a luxury small car with the right badge for example. The current design of small economy cars has gone from boring and characterless to funky, dynamic and fresh as well as elegant.

 

Great point. The data does show small and premium is an exploding market in Europe.

 

that picture above looks much better. I would take this over Mini. I do like Mini, but it has horrible interior build quality. and i think it's out of style, finally.

 

A1 looks nice, it's a small Audi. Can't really make an ugly car out of Audi's design language, imo.