Updated: New video of Audi’s A1 Metroproject

Audi has prematurely released photos for its stunning new A1 concept car to be displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show in just a few days. Officially called the Audi metroproject Quattro, this small car is designed to take on BMW’s MINI Cooper with its more masculine and upscale design.

The coupé-like roof line and aluminium arches that run along the top edge of the car give it an aggressive stance, while the trademark large Audi grille features up front.

Under the bonnet is a 1.4L TFSI engine developing 110kW (150 bhp), whose power is directed to the front wheels through an S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox. More interestingly, a 30kW (41hp) electric motor positioned on the rear axle is able to deliver an additional 200Nm of torque when you put the foot down. A true plug-in hybrid, the electric motor is capable of powering the metroproject on its own for zero-emission driving in residential areas. The capacity of the lithium-ion batteries allows the metroproject to travel up to 100km in pure electric mode and the motor can be recharged from any power socket, however the system does add 70kg to the total weight of the concept.

Audi claims additional technologies such as engine stop/start and brake energy regeneration help reduce fuel consumption by 15%. Despite this, performance is remains relatively decent at 0-100km/h in 7.8s, and a top speed of 201km/h. The concept car uses just 4.9L of premium fuel for every 100km, while CO2 emissions average a low 112 g/km.

On the outside, Audi has used LED headlights and daytime running lights, though it’s highly unlikely these will make it to production. Overall, the Metroproject measures 3.91m long and 1.75m wide with a wheelbase of 2.46m. Despite this, it seats four people and has a very respectable luggage capacity of 240L.

Audi hasn’t skimped on the handling side of things, either. The A1 metroproject gets the latest magnetic ride shock absorber technology, previously only found on the Audi TT and R8. The front brakes are a large 312mm, and the concept rides on 18in wheels shod with 225/35 rubber.