Looks like Audi will not be bringing the new Audi A1 to the States. Seen as a major rival to the MINI Cooper, the Audi A1 is a luxury-level supermini that should get up to 170 hp from one of five different engine choices and a possible hybrid.
Expected engines for the vehicle include a 1.2-liter 86 hp, a 122 hp 1.4-liter naturally-aspirated and a 170 hp turbocharged engine, and two diesels. The diesel options comprise of a 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter units, getting 90 and 143 horsepower. Both of the Audi A1 concepts have featured a mid-range 1.4 liter petrol engine mated to an electric motor.
The first of these used an additional 40 hp electric that ran the rear wheels, while the second used a 27 hp version running the front wheels. Concepts aside, the Audi A1 engine choices seem to be perfectly slotted to compete against every level of MINI Cooper, beginning with the MINI One, on up to the 175 hp turbocharged MINI Cooper S.
So why then would Audi not want the A1 in the States? The MINI created a resurgence in American interest in a small car when it was introduced earlier in the decade. And, despite BMW's sales falling in 2008, the MINI saw yet another increase in new vehicle sales for 2008. Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen glossed over the MINI's record in the U.S., instead noting his belief that the Americans by-and-large think small cars are inexpensive.
U.S. dealers were apparently clammoring for the A1, until the found out the potential price tag: over $25,000. The Audi exec claims dealers told him "You cannot charge this much for small cars. ... In their mind, they were thinking $18,000, because that's the conditioning our society still has."
This seems unusual, since a well-kitted out MINI Cooper S with premium wheels and Bluetooth can easily cost over $30,000. And that's without a navigation system. Meanwhile, the A1's other major competitor, the BMW 1-series, starts at $29,400.
Nonetheless, the Audi A1 may come to the U.S. when they release a second-generation. We should see the unveiling of the 2010 Audi A1 sometime soon.
Audi A1's U.S. Launch set to be Delayed
Audi A1 Sportback Concept
By Zack Newmark
February 4, 2009 4:58 PM
Filed Under: Audi, German
Tags: 2010 Audi A1, Audi A1
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Audi A1 Sportback Concept (26 photos)
Comments
justbored
February 4, 2009 5:03 PM
The 1.4l 122 hp engine is turbo-charged and not naturally-aspirated.
jagervw
February 4, 2009 6:10 PM
No surprise as I hear they lose money on the fantastic A3 8P they sell here.
Samuel_spektor
February 4, 2009 6:23 PM
This car has an even more serious problem from it's cousin from VW, the Jetta? Today one can pick up the Jetta or Golf (with plenty of bits from the Auid parts been) equipped similarly for well south of 25k.
We're looking at more space, same power, less money and all the Audi has to offer in return is refinement and looks which is subjective at best.
Tommy_S
February 5, 2009 10:19 AM
How long has the Audi A1 begun the rival of the BMW 1? And who's rival of the Audi A3 then? BMW 3, lol?...
blay
February 5, 2009 5:00 PM
i just don't understand why they've put back doors. It's going to be the 1 series. Useless rear legroom.
Uptohere
February 5, 2009 8:54 PM
I would be curious to see what the sales for Mini are the U.S. in the last 3 months. Audi probably don't want to eat into their A3 sales too much either or incur the U.S. certification costs right now. Mini is successful as a bit niche player with clearly defined product offerings and strong design identity. If the A1 is not sporty or possess a strong identity then I would agree that the $25K+ price would be too high for today's market. The Dealers should know what they can sell. The A1 would definitely be superior to the Rabbit and Jetta in every way except size.
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