Audi hopes to invade the premium-subcompact market with its new four-door A1 concept which will debut at the 2008 Paris motor show next month. Based on the A1 Metroproject Quattro two-door concept (pictured above) that was shown in Tokyo last autumn, the A1 will be built to rival the Mini Cooper and Fiat's new 500.
Details on the A1 have thus far been elusive, but it's an evolution of the Metroproject Quattro and will likely sport, like its predecessor, a sleek and aggressive style with features like aluminum trim on the pillars, narrow headlamps, and coupe-like profile.
The Quattro was a three-door, four-seat hatchback with a 1.4 liter 150-hp TFSI turbo four-cylinder engine under the hood. It also featured a 41-hp electric motor capable of traveling 62 miles on electricity alone and the car returned 48 mpg. The concept car from Tokyo sported some interesting features like an exposed battery cell in the rear and a special cell phone that connected integrally to the cars interface. Until Paris, automotive enthusiasts can only speculate as to what features will carry over to the new model.
Although the new A1 will still only be a concept in the Paris show, Audi has confirmed that a version of the vehicle will begin production in Belgium in 2009. There has been speculation that the car will contain multiple engine options and that it could come in not only a four door, but a two, three, and five door version as well. There is even talk that a performance version, dubbed S1, will be offered eventually. With the Mini already in America, and Fiat trying to follow suit, there is a distinct possibly that this new Audi may follow its competition across the Atlantic.
Source: Automotive News Europe