New Audi A1 Mule Spied

The first engineering prototype for the Audi A1 has just emerged from Audi's workshop near the Nürburgring.  It's the first concrete evidence that development of Audi's upcoming Mini-fighter has become a reality. 

Using the body from a VW Polo Cup Edition, Audi engineers have tacked-on fender flares to accommodate the increased width that will give the A1 the improved stance to battle the Mini from both a style and stability standpoint.  Any thoughts  that this is a mule for a future VW model should be erased when noting that this test vehicle is wearing a manufacturer's plate right out of Ingolstadt, Audi's home turf.

Audi is supposed to show a conceptual look at the styling direction for the A1 at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.  With the sighting of this prototype, it will be nice to know that what shows up at Audi's auto show stand is already becoming a reality in Audi's engineering channels.