The Tokyo Motor Show is less than two weeks away, but according to Automotive News, Audi still hasn't finalized the design for its entry-level MINI-fighter, the A1.
The problem stems from Audi execs that think that the current concept is too radical to go into production. Although Audi's designs have never been extreme styling statements, the idea of pitting sometime that's a serious stretch for consumers looking for an option outside of the MINI might be too much to ask.
Production of the Polo-based A1 is practically assured, likely to begin in the third quarter of 2009 at Audi's Brussels assembly plant. The new entry-level Audi will be powered by a range of turbo'd gasoline or diesel engines, between 1.2- to 2.0-liters, with a naturally aspirated 1.4-liter making it into the base model.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John R @ Oct 9th 2007 11:10AM
Didn't we just see this? Oh, wait that was a Honda. I don't know which design appeared first, but this is getting rediculous.
John R @ Oct 9th 2007 11:11AM
"ridiculous" sorry.
zamafir @ Oct 9th 2007 2:40PM
Um.. that's the roadjet concept which debuted Jan 06, which is almost two years old. NOT the A1. Autoblog just used the image. So accurately the honda's two years late to this styling party. Fun to, considering this design has been out for almost two years, I'm sure the similarities aren't a coincidence (as is the case with any similarities in honda's derivative design the last decade) – any ridiculousness would be on the part of Honda…
… But we’ll get the Honda so screw the A1 .
tr @ Oct 9th 2007 6:42PM
zamafir, that pic isn't the roadjet. it's the shooting brake concept, which showed the design intent for the mkII TT, albeit in a shooting brake form (which i would've loved to have...but i guess the A1 is supposed to take up that shooting brake style.)
Daniel @ Oct 9th 2007 12:20PM
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/7784/audia1sx3.jpg
FThorn @ Oct 9th 2007 12:51PM
Side looks like Chrysler Sebring
mike @ Oct 9th 2007 8:45PM
And it goes without saying that the U.S. will not see the High-MPG-Diesel, correct?