[Harold]

No more guesses. No more renderings. We have obtained the first official photos of the Audi Metroproject Quattro concept, believed to be the first version of the Audi A1.


In an earlier interview, Audi Technical Development chief Michael Dick said the A1 would be "manlier and sportier" than the MINI Cooper.

And he was right. This car has a sleek, shapely front-end that seems to form a menacing grin, and rear tail-lights that virtually stare down trailing motorists. This car rides on classy, lightweight, ten-spoke wheels. Inside the cabin, the Metroproject has impressively clean lines, what appears to be paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, and a built-in MP3 player. On top of everything else, you can seemingly keep track of this car's status on your mobile phone!


The Audi Metroproject Quattro, has a battery pack in visibly mounted in the boot, and lit in tranquil blue lights with a charge indicator on the side. We had heard rumor that this concept would be a hybrid, and it certainly seems that way.

The supermini Audi A1 should be available with a turbocharged gas engine, turbocharged diesel engine, ranging in size from 1.2 litres to 2.0 litres. A base model with an 80 horsepower, naturally aspirated 1.4 litre engine is also expected to hit showroom floors.


With a base price at-or-below $25,500, Audi hopes their MINI-killer will sell between 80,000 and 100,000 per year. Audi has done such a good job with the design of this car, that sales of the Fiat 500 might also be affected. Although previously expected at the Frankfurt show last September, the Audi Metroproject Quattro concept will be revealed to the public in person at 10:30 a.m. Tokyo time on October 24th, at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Production on the Audi A1 is scheduled for 2009.

Dick also said, "When a father sits gladly in his daughter's car, then we've got it spot on."


Congratulations, Mr. Dick. We think you have it spot on

[larryn]

Pretty cool, but I'll tell you that they could NEVER build that depicted car for $25k. That looks more like a loaded RS1.

I bet the rear buckets would go bu-bye too, on the production car, as it would have to have a flat folding rear seat/split rear seats.

[Smokey]

It looks nice, but if the 128 is priced right, then Audi might not be able to move 80-100 thousand units.

[Lips]

Ehh...doesn't do anything for me.

[Drillslinger]

Hmm, I like it :iono: If I can get one in the US with the 2.0T and Quattro... we "might" have a replacement for DB when it comes time

[1ster]

That is supposed to compete with the 1er? It's like a Mini minus the charisma.

[Drillslinger]

I can see it competing with the MINI... but definately NOT the 1er

[321]

wow they are obviously aiming for a younger crowd w/ this one...

[Disasterpiece]

That looks pretty tight!

[Joop!]

Nice design, but I think it won't be a competition for the New Mini

[BMWeber]

Originally Posted by Drillslinger

I can see it competing with the MINI... but definately NOT the 1er

+1

[Brandon26pdx]

It looks like a liftback, similar to a Mini or GTI. Its proportioned very similar to a Mini.

[bavarianbutcher]

looks like this

[Drillslinger]

Is that a cocktail shaker or a thermos between the rear seats?

[zirrah]

Gotta hand it to Audi. Their interiors are always the most scrumptous.