Audi A1:

Audi A1 Roadster rendering

Audi has already announced its intention to come against Mini into the Premium city car market. The Metroproject Quattro was the first preview of what will be the future Audi A1.

But the coupe version will not be the only version coming from Audi. A roadster version is also under consideration. And here’s how the future Mini Cabrio competitor might look like.

Volkswagen Polo and Audi A1 will share new AWD platform

Volkswagen’s small car architecture, which today underpins the VW Polo, Seat Ibiza and Skoda Fabia, will offer the possibility of all-wheel drive for the next generation of VW group small cars.

"The new small-car platform architecture includes an all-wheel drive option," Erich Schmitt, president of Seat said. "Seat won’t offer awd for its new Ibiza, but other group models could use it."

The first use of the latest development of this platform, called PQ25, is for the new Seat Ibiza. The new-generation VW Polo will be the next model later this year, followed by the all-new Audi A1 in late 2009.

The current version of VW’s Cross Polo has the looks of an awd crossover model, but comes with front-wheel drive only. "Think of an awd option for the next generation Cross Polo, or next Audi A1," an VW group source said. "And Audi already has an awd tradition anyway with its Quattro models."

Future Audi A1 close to being official?

Why are we saying this? Because the latest rendering come from AutoBild, and as you know they have always been very close to the reality! Built as a replacement for the unsuccessful A2, the future A1 will go on sale byt the end of 2009. First unveiled as the Metroproject Quattro concept in 2007, the future A1 will be serious competition for Mini.

Even if the Metroproject was supposed to be a preview of the A1, Audi will not keep the design idea though as it was was disliked internally, because its round shape didn’t look sporty enough. The production car will look more low and stylish, maybe similar to the Audi Shooting Brake concept.

It will be available in three and five-doors version and also different roof options will be available which you can fold, open and move.

Audi will offer the following engines: 1.2-liter TFSI, 85 hp; 1.4-liter TFSI, 122 hp; 1.4-liter TSI, 170 hp; 1.6-liter TDI, 75 hp; 1.6-liter TDI, 90 hp; 1.6-liter TDI, 105 hp. All engines will meet the Euro5 emissions standard and will be available with six-speed manual transmission.

2009 Audi A1 renderings

In the latest issue of their magazine Autobild revealed a new rendering of the 2009 Audi A1, and considering they are allways pretty close to the real thing we can make a good idea of how the 2009 A1 will look like.

The 2009 A1 will be offered for start in two body versions: three and five doors hatchback, but more versions will be added later, including a convertible version and the Q1 SUV.

Base models will be front-wheel drive, but as part of Audi’s green push all engines will be direct injection. The same 1.4-litre engine will be available with and without a turbo, and with outputs from 65 to 170bhp. A 1.6-litre diesel will play the same role for those who want an oil burner: expect 75 to 130bhp.

2011 Audi A1 Convertible

Audi will launch the A1 compact car in 2009 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. A Cabriolet version will also be unveiled in October 2011. The future A1 will be placed above the TT, but under the A3, and wants to be the cheapest Audi in the line-up. The A1 Convertible will compete with BMW 1-Series Convertible, Mini Convertible and Volkswagen E
> More

.

Audi A1 might come to USA

Audi has announced that the 2009 A1 might come to the North American market, even if the other compact A3 sport wagon does not sell that well in here.
> More

Audi A1 Metroproject Quattro concept

Get the Flash Player to see the videos.

At the Tokyo Motor Show Audi is unveiling the metroproject quattro, an original, characteristically Audi design study for the sub-compact segment. The three-door four-seater car blends dynamic styling with exemplary economy of space and supreme quality in trailblazing fashion. At the same time, a series of visionary technical solutions take efficiency, dynamism and motoring pleasure into new territory as only Audi knows how.
> More

Audi can’t decide on A1’s design

Even if Audi will bring the first A1 prototype at the Tokyo Motor Show, the company can’t decide yet on the final design for its new entry-level mini.
> More

Audi A1 will look like this?

Based on the latest spy shots, Auto Express made some rendering of how the future A1 might look like. Compact and distinctive, the new A1 will be serious competition for Mini when will go on sale in 2010.
> More

Audi A1 spy shots

Don’t get confused by the Volkswagen logo and the look of a tuned Polo; under this disguise is an early prototype of Audi’s forthcoming Mini-rivalling A1. The A1 will be unveiled in a concept version next month at the Tokyo Motor Show, and the production version will go on sale in 200
> More