The A1 Metroproject Quattro by Audi (pictured) signaled strong intentions of the German marque to hurt BMW’s MINI in a bad way. Now we understand its four-door variant will be one of the main attractions at Audi’s stand at the Paris Motor Show in just over two weeks’ time. Of course one of these attractions is the S4. Audi may not be able to surpass its surprising R8’s show power for a while, but plenty other concepts and production-ready cars are to be unveiled.
The A1 production car, conceptually based on the Metroproject, will begin production at Audi’s Belgium plant in early 2009 and this proposed four-door version seems ripe for a MINI Clubman fight. It will also be a very important car in Audi’s product mix as the company forges ahead with its plans of premium-segment domination by 2015. Engines will reflect A1 status, with 1.4 twincharged TSI the leader of the pack. And what about RS1? RS2 badge may be too close to the old legend for Audi’s comfort.
Audi A1 Four-door in Paris?
Audi / 2007 Audi Metroproject Quattro
Watch your back MINI Clubman!
By Thami Masemola
September 17, 2008 10:30 AM
Filed Under: Audi, Concept Car, German, Rumours
Comments
The_woo_factor
September 17, 2008 11:20 AM
Bring it on Audi! S4? Cant wait!!!!
BabyMilo
September 17, 2008 12:11 PM
i bet it will be a nice car, but the roof nd windows look to big for the car
ve
September 18, 2008 7:02 AM
With all the VAG products in their armoury can't see why Audi wants to compete with Minis,Fiat 500,Ford Ka.I would have thoughtthe A3 models would be adequate. Suppose greater minds at Audi think otherwise.ve
asif
September 18, 2008 12:30 PM
the mini has nothing to fear. standard fare Audi (ie recycled design cues from the rest of the range) looks. bmw will hardly be worried i dont think.
NaBUru38
September 19, 2008 2:29 AM
Ve, the Ka and 500 are much cheaper than the Mini and Mito, A1's true rivals. But could this chic hatch be badged as a Seat or Skoda? Or New New Beetle? No, Audi is fine.
ve
September 20, 2008 1:38 AM
As an Audi owner, I do not denigrate the A1 as such and good on VAG for expanding their range if it increases market share. It is not so much as a manufacturer having "something to fear" (refer asif) so much as the car buyer/owners realising that platform/component sharing even amongst 'rival' car manufacturers is a fact of life today for many reasons. I guess the BMW/Fiat collaboration recently announced demonstrates this. Because Fiat owns Ferrari/Maserati does that dilute these iconic brands. I think not. In New Zealand, the Mini is not inexpensive for what it is, nor is the BMW 1 Series a bargain compared to VW Golf. Ford Ka/Fiat 500, Mazda6/Ford Mondeo,Jaguar X/Mondeo,Chrysler/M.Benz etc.etc. people buy whatever floats their boat. Furthermore
alessandro
September 24, 2008 9:50 AM
Probably that car will be called "a shopping trolley" or like that by some shmack but it is a beautiful and smart car. Looks way better than MITO and MINI with their columinst written design mythology. Just good design.
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