German Car Zone

First Photos: Audi A1 Metroproject Quattro Concept













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.


More photos: WCF

and how is the car going to look like when it start to sell? Like the concept?

I dont' think there will be much change to the overall look, just the usual stuff when turning concept into production car (toned down interior, conventional front & rear lights, less chrome, more conventional rims etc.)

Hmm... Interesting thingy. Looking very Audi. Nice little car. Sharp.

I can also see quite some similarities with Cross Coupe Concept.

Yet I hoped Audi would offer more individual design for A1 ... Eg. like they did with Mk1 TT once when the car was launched.

The biggest problem I have with this car: odd side-profile proportions. Same case as with Cross Coupe, Mk2 TT & A3 Cabrio: that specific sloping C / D-pillar design + large front overhang are making the car look like it is leaning forward.





Btw, I do not see this car being particularly manly. I doubt it will have same "pocket-rocket" or "driving-like-go-kart" reputation as Mini. Neither being retro or fashion / styling statement like eg. F500, Beetle, Mini. I can't see the added value of this car justifying its high price. Except for Four Audi rings & excellent interior quality. Same "identity problem" for upcoming Alfa Romeo Junior. So, why not buying eg. top-end Polo, P206, Clio, Fiesta, Corsa instead of A1 & Junior. Distinctive design / styling is definitely not the case.

I think, it's headed stright to Mini Cooper, got typical Audi looks & looks good ...!

Τhis part of the text says it all:

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.

I have nothing to add.

Actually, Eni, if that concept is even near as close to the production as I think, I would definately take this car over all the top-end versions of the cars you mentioned. Possibly even over the Mini but that has to wait until the production version is revealed.

The car looks cuddly. And in my opinion, the design is much better then the design of the old A2! I really like it and the Coupé-esque roof line is also a great idea for such a small car!

Kind of reminds me of the Citroen C3 Pluriel .
MINI is more than just a car it is an entire culture and the Fiat 500 will follow suit but I do not forsee A1 united events such as MINI united.
People choose MINI because of the brand , a MINI is like a event and the upcoming Clubman fits in with the progress involved in todays culture whereas the MINI was the ipod the Clubman is the latest upgrade.
whereas the A1 can be successful determines within which platform will offer the best value for money - Audi- Seat -Skoda or VW.

I wouldn't care to much for the $25 000 price estimation since it's clearly off. My estimate is that the cheapest version with a 1.2/1.4L engine will sell for 14-16k with the most powerful option topping off at around 22k.

You're right, it doesn't look very manly and it shouldn't. They want it to attract him, her and it, just like other cute cars like the Mini, Smart and Fiat 500. It's the cuteness which makes those cars sell like hot cakes during the first months.

Audi has nailed it with the design and the sloping of the C pillar doesn't make the car look awkward as the Cross Coupe which I disliked. The racing flag on the grill, sides and rear is an indication that Audi is going after the Mini which is loved for it's superb handling. If they will succeed on that part is yet to be found out. Either way I'm very opptimistic about this car and predict that it will be huge hit.