Audi A1; Official Release

[Joey D]

And BMW is actually going to decrease the MINI production and raise the price some more so they actually make money on the things. I still wager they will sell out all the allotted ones that come here, which will surprise the hell out of me. Small cars aren't for everyone and the MINI really isn't for everyone...which leads me to believe the A1 wouldn't be for everyone either. I still think they would sell them without issue here. The Polo as well. Hell if we got the Polo here I would probably have that in the garage right now.

And on the Corsa, I don't remember if you saw the DYSAGT thread but I saw a Corsa in downtown Rochester last month which probably means they are doing testing to bring here as a Saturn...which would be sort neat.

 

[YSSMAN]

The plan is to bring it here as a Saturn Corsa (Chevrolet will have their own version too... I think. It will replace the Aveo next year...), so it isn't much of a surprise that they're driving around in Detroit. The new version is supposed to be very good, and the thought of them offering the 1.4T model here is very exciting.

===

MINI Thought:

We're the only city in the US that's getting a new dealer this year, and I believe its due to open soon. I've noticed an increasing amount of MINI models around here, and I too will be willing to bet that they'll sell every car they have even with the discussed price increase. The MINI will likely sit quite comfortably at the top of the small car market in terms of performance and luxury, and I think BMW knows that they've got a strong grip on the segment until the other cars start showing up. The only car I could ever see knocking the MINI off would be the Fiesta here in the US, and truthfully, that would only be because of the big blue oval on the hood... And the fact that they'll be built somewhere in the US.

 

[Joey D]

The Fiesta is a fantastic looking car and I really hope it drives well, is inexpensive, and shows the world that us Americans can make a small car that isn't a Geo Metro.

BMW knows they can't ride the MINI train forever, but they do know it has a cult following and they will always be able to sell thousands of them to that following. That's marketing genius right there and if other companies had a car like that no matter what it was, they would have a winner. I mean look at VW, they have a huge cult following with the GTI, why they can't develop that with the Polo or the A1 is beyond me. There is a niche for everything, fill it and create a cult aura around it and you will have people lined up to buy them.

 

[homeforsummer]

The Fiesta is a fantastic looking car and I really hope it drives well, is inexpensive, and shows the world that us Americans can make a small car that isn't a Geo Metro.

I think that it'll drive well is a given, the latest Mazda 2 has won praise for it's handling and I wouldn't be surprised if the Ford was even better. To be fair though in respond to your second comment, apart from that it'll be sold there the Fiesta has very little to do with Ford USA, being a co-operation between Mazda Japan and Ford Europe.

Does anyone know if they actually plan to build it in the States or whether you'll get cars built in Spain or Germany or something? The Mk 4/5 were built in Spain, the UK, Germany and Brazil and the Mk6 removed the UK from that list.

Jeez that confused me for a sec, thought I'd been writing in the wrong thread when I typed all that about the new Fiesta.

Sorry for off-topicness.

 

[YSSMAN]

Does anyone know if they actually plan to build it in the States or whether you'll get cars built in Spain or Germany or something? The Mk 4/5 were built in Spain, the UK, Germany and Brazil and the Mk6 removed the UK from that list.

No matter what, our version will be built in "North America," so you've got to take your pick there. I'm hoping that Ford will open a plant in the US to screw them together, but more likely than not, they'll be put together down in Mexico.

 

[Pupik]

In short, I'm not surprised, since Americans aren't ready to plunk down $30K for a small luxury car, and the A2 wasn't a hit in Europe; It's not as if the A3 sells well, and it's honestly a nice car. They sold a decent amount of them when it came out as an '06 model, and then sales fell off. For some reason (I forget the actual reason), Audi did not want to sell any Certified Pre-Owned A3s, until mid-way through this year.

Audi buyers here were drawn to the comparable A4, even though it was slower and weighed more, probably because it had a no "hatch", and has more rear legroom (at least by appearances). Not to mention, VW has ambitions and a legacy of its own with small cars.

 

[YSSMAN]

The secret with the A3 is that you can get a "just-as-functional" GTI for thousands less. I'm also convinced that the only reason they haven't offered a 2.0T in the standard Rabbit is for much the same reason, it makes the A3 seem less relevant again. Its like the old B5 generation cars all over again, there isn't enough of a difference between the Audi and VW versions to make people buy either of them.

 

[Tornado]

Well there is a marked difference in that the VW interiors aren't simply Audi interiors with VW badges anymore. You do at least get more car for your money now, if only because of the cheapening to the VW brand's lower cars.

 

[YSSMAN]

I suppose that is partially true. Maybe I'm too cynical of a VW fan, but I really wasn't all that impressed with the A3's interior versus that of the GTI. Sure, there are some fancy buttons and switches with a bit of TT-esque chrome accents, but I really don't think that's enough to justify the price difference. I found the GTI interior, at the very least, to be a bit more welcoming to the average person... With the flannel seats or not.

 

[Tornado]

I haven't seen and Audi A3 interior in the flesh, so I can't comment on you get all of your money's worth.

 

[homeforsummer]

The A1 interior is certainly much better looking than the A3 or Golf:

A1

A3

Golf

I've sat in an A3 and Golf and they both feel very similar trim wise, and design wise I'm not keen on either, although the Golf GTi does have a nice interior... but then the Audi S3 does too.

 

[YSSMAN]

The problem there is that the price doesn't justify whats there, especially here in the US, where there really isn't a discernible difference between the A3 2.0T and the GTI. I mean, sure, there are those lovely plaid seats, but you can get leather if you want.

I personally prefer the lack of design in the GTI. The more "spartan" feel just looks right in my mind. Although, I think our GTI looks a bit more different on the inside...

 

[homeforsummer]

I personally prefer the lack of design in the GTI. The more "spartan" feel just looks right in my mind. Although, I think our GTI looks a bit more different on the inside...

I think our GTI looks the same inside to be honest. Dunno where I got that pic from. I do like the GTI interior, but one thing you could never call the Golf MkV is 'spartan' As far as Golf GTI interiors go the original Mk1 with the tartan seats and the Mk4 25th anniversary were the best. The Anniversary even had the original's "golf ball" gearknob

 

[YSSMAN]

The MKIV was a bit "too comfortable" at least in my opinion. But that was back when we were being shipped Audis with VW badges on the front, not that today is much different.

 

[Joey D]

Thread Revival!

Audi A1 (2010): first spy photos of Audi’s Mini

The new Audi A1 has stepped out in public for the first time and CAR’s spies were on hand to capture the moment. This three-door Audi A1 is a near production-ready car and, despite the hallucinogenic disguise in our spyshots, it’s clear to see the silhouette and outline of Audi’s new Mini rival.

The 2010 Audi A1 will be shown at next spring’s Geneva motor show, with first drives held over the summer. Continental sales start in the middle of 2010, right-hand drive A1 sales most likely kicking off in September.

Great scoop! Where were these Audi A1 spy photos taken?

On the streets around Munich, Germany, not far from Audi’s Ingolstadt HQ. The spyshots confirm the A1 will be launched initially as a three-door hatchback, like the Mini. A five-door hatch, probably dubbed Sportback like the concept car, will follow. These first scoop photos prove that Audi has deviated little from the A1-siring Metroproject Quattro concept car.

Unlike the original lightweight Audi A2 which pioneered the use of aluminium and other clever technologies previously unseen on volume small cars, the new 2010 A1 will be a more conventional supermini.

Conventional in the sense that it will stick with steel construction and a transverse engine, front-drive format – for now (4wd quattro versions are rumoured for future faster A1s). The A2 was clever, but it was also costly – and Audi plans to build 80,000 A1s annually in a full year’s production.

So is the new Audi A1 just a posh Polo?

Depends how you slice the pie. For sure, there will be some componentry shared with other VW Group small cars such as the Polo, Ibiza and Fabia, but Audi is keen to stress that the days of old-fashioned ‘platform sharing’ are long gone.

The new A1 will be significantly different to its group brethren: in dimensions, in its footprint and in the wide range of engines and technologies invested in the range. Although not yet confirmed, we expect the Audi A1 to launch with a range of 1.4 petrol and diesel engines.

From these spy photos, we’d say the new Audi A1 looks rather promising. The urban chatterati will soon have another premium baby to lust after.

 

[Prosthetic]

Why am I not excited? And why did I just yawn while skimming the cluster of words that form sentences which magically transforms into paragraphs.. I don't care if it shoots lazers and cures cancer I will still take the GTI.

 

[Joey D]

It's based off the Polo so a GTI will be bigger...unless of course you mean a Polo GTI, which I'm guessing is the exact same thing as the A1.

 

[Prosthetic]

It's based off the Polo so a GTI will be bigger...unless of course you mean a Polo GTI, which I'm guessing is the exact same thing as the A1.

Oh well.. Shows how much I know about this segment... :S

 

[Joey D]

Oh well.. Shows how much I know about this segment... :S

It's understandable since there really isn't a segment for this sort of cars in the US right now. Small 3 door cars just aren't that popular. To my knowledge there is the MINI Cooper and the Toyota Yaris, and that's it.

However the A1 will probably go up against the BMW 0-Series when it comes out, which will be nothing more then a Cooper with a BMW badge and a steeper price tag.

 

[Prosthetic]

It's understandable since there really isn't a segment for this sort of cars in the US right now. Small 3 door cars just aren't that popular. To my knowledge there is the MINI Cooper and the Toyota Yaris, and that's it.

However the A1 will probably go up against the BMW 0-Series when it comes out, which will be nothing more then a Cooper with a BMW badge and a steeper price tag.

Yeah... Personally if I were to look at anything in this segment... The only thing I would consider is a Mini..

 

[Joey D]

Bout time....

Officially Official: 2011 Audi A1 finally arrives
After two concepts and an insufferable amount of teasing, the 2011 Audi A1 has officially arrived with its sights set squarely on the Mini Cooper.

Inspired by the Metroproject Quattro from 2007, the all-new A1 is a faithful recreation of its conceptual predecessor, complete with a squat stance, short overhangs and four customizable colors for the roof arches. With a profile reminiscent of a stretched and squashed TT, the A1 spans 155.5 inches long, 68.5 inches wide and 56 inches tall, with a 97.2-inch wheelbase. Ten exterior colors are available, along with front and rear LEDs and Xenon headlamps.

Audi's focus on the interior begins and ends with customization, with available LED lighting, black, grey, beige or "wasabi" green contrasting materials, colored air vents and an optional MMI system with a 6.5-inch screen, 10-speaker, 465-watt Bose audio system, 20 gig harddrive and Bluetooth connectivity. Although backseat passengers were apparently an afterthought, the A1 boasts 9.43 cubic feet of storage space in the rear, with 32.49 cubic feet of space available when the rear seats are folded flat.

Motivation will be provided by a choice of either two gasoline or diesel powerplants, with the 1.6-liter TDIs churning out either 90 horsepower and 169 pound feet of torque or 105 ponies and 184 lb-ft of twist. The gasoline mills will be available in either 1.2- or 1.4-liter TFSI variants, with the former putting out 86 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque and the latter delivering 122 hp and 147 lb-ft through either a five- or six-speed manual. An optional seven-speed S tronic (dual clutch) transmission is available, and both gasoline engines deliver an average of 46 mpg. For the time being, the A1 is only available with front-wheel drive.

The 2,303-pound hatch will go on sale in Europe later this year after it's official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show, with prices starting at around 16,000 euro. Two trims – Attraction or Ambition – are available, with an S Line accessories package and 18-inch wheels coming at launch. All the details can be had in the press release after the jump, but still no word yet on U.S. availability.

 

[TorqueHappenS08]

Reminds of kia soul...and a Renault avantime..?

 

[Philly]

Aside from the headlights and lower grille, I don't think it looks like an Audi at all. Weird. I'm also wondering where the "profile of the TT" is. It looks nothing like a TT. It looks like they've ditched the strip of LED lights for something else, which is excellent.

 

[YSSMAN]

Meh. This is going to become a crowded segment soon, but I don't see where the bonus is by choosing the Audi over a MINI. Better yet, both over a Fiesta.


How much longer until Acura does a badge job on the Fit?

 

[homeforsummer]

Reminds of kia soul...and a Renault avantime..?

...or neither

Also, the benefit of choosing the Audi over the Fiesta? Quality of materials for one, quality of engineering for another, and good design rather than forced "style" as a third.

I was looking at the pictures of the A1 in the newsagents today and thinking how it's gone to the top of the list of compact premium hatches that I'm interested in. The MINI is too goofy, the upcoming Citroen DS3 is nice but the design is a bit "all over the place" and the Fiat 500 is a bit too cutesey unless you get the Abarth.

Of course, all of the above will probably be cheaper than the Audi, but you get what you pay for. None of the above have the option of a DSG-style box (yet) which is becoming a must-have, and none of them have the range of engines that Audi will be offering.

Call me old-fashioned though, but I think it's pretty ridiculous that you can get 18" wheels on a car as compact as that. I know the MINI offers that option too, but then it's no less ridiculous on that car. Small car, short wheelbase. Huge wheels and rubber-band tyres ruin the ride. And it's mainly a city car, so ideally you want at least a half-decent ride for awful inner-city roads with potholes and speedbumps. 17" wheels max. 16"s preferable. Lightweight 15"s on fat tyres (like the mk1 MINI Cooper, which is my premium small car benchmark) for great handling and a good ride.

 

[Picc84]

The steering wheel looks comfe?

 

[Jondot]

What I'd like to know is why it looks so angry. I hadn't even gotten around to insulting it yet.

Call me old-fashioned though, but I think it's pretty ridiculous that you can get 18" wheels on a car as compact as that. I know the MINI offers that option too, but then it's no less ridiculous on that car. Small car, short wheelbase. Huge wheels and rubber-band tyres ruin the ride. And it's mainly a city car, so ideally you want at least a half-decent ride for awful inner-city roads with potholes and speedbumps. 17" wheels max. 16"s preferable. Lightweight 15"s on fat tyres (like the mk1 MINI Cooper, which is my premium small car benchmark) for great handling and a good ride.

...as long as someone will tick the box for the 18 inchers, Audi will sell them. I'm not quite sure who these people are, or indeed why they hate their spines, but apparently their needs must be met.

 

[DeathSmiles]

Absolutely beautiful. Audi, you are my favorite brand, do you know that?

I was planning on getting a newer Golf as my secondary vehicle, but now I'm looking at you, A1.

 

[Joey D]

Report: Audi A1 to spawn five-door, convertible, S variant

It should come as no surprise that Audi will offer a number of different variants of its new A1 compact hatch. What is surprising (kinda) is that the forthcoming S1 will be the first modern, performance-focused Audi to lack all-wheel drive.

According to Autocar, Audi intends to sell 100,000 A1s annually and to pull off those kind of numbers, it will have to diversify. Included in the plan is a five-door version, similar to the A1 Sportback concept seen in Paris, that's likely to ditch the contrast roof rails in favor of a more traditional top. The wagon will likely hit dealers abroad this time next year (production version in Paris?), with the same combination of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines as the three-door model.

A convertible version will likely arrive in 2012 with a fabric roof and 2+2 seating, with the S1 variant landing around the same time. When the S-ified A1 hits the market, it's likely to only be available in three-door form, packing a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-pot boosted to around 180 hp and sending power to the front wheels through Audi's seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. If you're disappointed by the lack of Quattro, don't be – the S1 won't make it to the U.S. anyway.

The S1 really should be AWD.

 

[YSSMAN]

Also, the benefit of choosing the Audi over the Fiesta? Quality of materials for one, quality of engineering for another, and good design rather than forced "style" as a third.

I'm willing to bet that the Audi won't be leaps and bounds ahead of the Ford as the price would suggest. Its just a hunch. Ford has been doing the small car thing better than anyone else as of late, and to have Audi suddenly decide to jump into the small car game after the Fiesta and R61 (?) MINI move it ahead so far... They're late to the party. I wouldn't call Ford's style "forced" by any means, its arguably the best-looking car in the segment outside the DS3. Although, we Americans managed to mess up the grille...

the upcoming Citroen DS3 is nice but the design is a bit "all over the place"

Really? I think it looks absolutely spectacular. Its a shame I'll probably never see one in person.

Of course, all of the above will probably be cheaper than the Audi, but you get what you pay for. None of the above have the option of a DSG-style box (yet) which is becoming a must-have, and none of them have the range of engines that Audi will be offering.

Exactly. I just don't feel like the (likely) high price of the A1 is anywhere near justified. Hell, I have a hard enough time with the somewhat rational pricing on the MINI (Side Note: They had one at the auto show for $34K last weekend). If Audi brings the car to the US, its going to start above $20K. That is crazy.


Also, I don't know if Ford Europe is getting this, but in the US they're offering the Fiesta with the PowerShift gearbox that is a dual-clutch six-speed unit. I don't think it has paddle shifters, but, its the same deal.