Audi's new supermini, the A1, has been named car of the year by What Car? magazine.

The victory for the A1, which was also named best supermini, was announced at a ceremony in London.

What Car? editor-in-chief Steve Fowler said: "If ever there has been a car that has hit the nail squarely and firmly on the head, the Audi A1 is it.

"It's the right car at the right time: a car that combines desirability and ability alongside frugal financials - the perfect combination."

Audi UK director Jeremy Hicks said: "It's a tremendous accolade for the Audi A1 to receive this award."

This year's reader award for the most exciting car to be launched in 2011 went to the new Range Rover Evoque, six months ahead of the British-built car's launch.

The Land Rover Discovery won the best 4x4 award for the seventh year running, while Jaguar won the best executive car award for the fourth year in a row with the XF.

The British-built, all-electric Nissan Leaf won the new ultra-low carbon car award, and was described by Mr Fowler as "a slice of tomorrow's motoring today".