2010 Audi A1 Details Emerge

Audi A1 artist rendering / Copyright Larson

By Thami Masemola
October 13, 2009 7:03 PM
Filed Under: Audi, German, Rumours

CAR magazine UK has reported on its candid conversation with Audi executives regarding the A1. According to CAR, the A1 will not only come in hatchback form but also as cabriolet and estate models potentially including quattro AWD.

"We will start with the three-door version with several different engine variants," Schwarzenbauer told CAR. "Will we do further models? Look at what we do with the A3 range - we could something similar with the A1."

That means probably anything from a 1.2-litre up to 1.8-litre turbo units, both petrol and diesel. Because the A1 will be a direct rival to the MINI, which is busy testing an electric model (MINI e), it may be safe to assume that alternative power sources are also on the cards here. We'd definitely be up for a performance S1 as well. And since MINI has all sorts of variations, including SUVs, two-seat Coupes and Roadsters coming up, expect the A1 to follow suit with similar offerings and even a possible Q1 SUV.

In terms of basic looks Audi has already given clues through the Metroproject Concept car (pictured here). The A1 is very important to Ingolstadt as it will add greater volumes and spur the company on with its plans to overtake BMW as the world's largest premium car manufacturer by 2015.

Unfortunately the A1 does not quite feature in the Audi's US plans as yet. Executives have said as much on a number of occasions.

Comments

hunkeers87
October 13, 2009 10:44 PM
they are already the world's largest premium car manufacturer...

Michael
October 14, 2009 2:53 PM
No. At least not yet. First 9 months of 2009: BMW - 777,455 (-16%), MB - 737,600 (-16%), Audi - 705,300 (-7.5%).

jerry05cod4
October 13, 2009 11:38 PM
not... they have the newest lineup by far, but not biggest yet... i like this car specially the grey mean looking one

motorsport13
October 14, 2009 3:12 AM
it looks like the audi version of the scirocco.. i like it.

alex_w115
October 14, 2009 3:42 AM
still not a fan of the gigantic grill which makes all audi's look the same...but this blue rendering looks a good mix between scirocco and r8 styling

BabyMilo
October 14, 2009 6:58 AM
Itll be a cool city car

Wickedated
October 14, 2009 7:19 PM
Way cooler than a Mini or a Fiat 500

Sacto8780
October 15, 2009 4:01 PM
I do think Audi may offer the A1 here specifically to counter the BMW MINI, though. And also because with the vehicle the A1's size, it helps Audi meet the upcoming tighter fuel economy mandates from the US government.

GTurbo
October 27, 2009 7:49 PM
COOL BLUE! IMAGINE THE 'S' OR 'RS' MODELS. THE MINI'S POPULARITY MAY DIMINISH ONCE THIS BRUTE IS UNLEASHED WITH COMPETITIVE PRICING. BMW AND FIAT BEWARE!

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