Audi will launch its long-awaited Mini challenger in 2010. The A1, logically enough, sits at the bottom of the Audi family tree – and we’ve got the photos and sketches that reveal how the finished A1 will look, once the first models roll off the production line in Belgium.
As ever with a new-car scoop, it’s a classic case of jigsaw identification. Audi has given several clues to the look of its new A1 with the recent Metroproject Quattro concept car (click here for the full story on the Metroproject). Our new artist’s impression (main image) reveals how the finished car will look.
The A1 will use the VW group’s MQB modular transverse engineering package and there will be three different bodystyles: a chunky three-door hatch (revealed in our sketches), a roomier five-door and an open-top model. All will be under four metres long – unlike giants like the new Ford Fiesta – and aimed squarely at BMW’s Mini.
The Audi S1: watch out, Mini Cooper S
Being an Audi, Quattro four-wheel drive will be available – so S1 and Q1 derivatives will have the added traction gains allowed by all-wheel drive. The S1 is said to gain flared wheelarches and a 200bhp turbo engine for genuine pocket rocket thrills.
Most Audi A1s will of course remain front-wheel drive and every engine will employ direct injection. The petrol 1.4 – the only unleaded engine on offer – will come in five different states of tune, stretching from 65bhp up to 200bhp in the hot hatch; diesel lovers get a 1.6-litre four-pot, pumping out anything between 75bhp and 130bhp.
Transmission choices will be between regular manuals and a twin-clutch, seven-speed S tronic gearbox.
And the green A1…
Another green Audi which might go plug-in by 2011 is the A1. Again, it will probably be the five-door version which gets the nod for packaging reasons.
It’s all part of CAR Online’s Audi scoop special. Click on the button below to see scoops and news of every single Audi on our radar
