2013 Cadillac XTS

Preview: Audi A1 three-door

 
4 9,354 views Apr 14, 2009

audi a1 sportback 1

The five-door model will debut around the middle of next year and will be followed by the three-door shortly after

The five-door model will debut around the middle of next year and will be followed by the three-door shortly after

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The minicar segment is about to explode, with new models planned from most of the major carmakers including, for the first time, premium labels such as Audi. While most are heading down the budget road Audi will be launching an upmarket model to tackle the Mini Cooper and a possible BMW version. Audi’s new model will be based on the A1 Metroproject and the subsequent A1 Sportback concept vehicles, and will be available in several variants including three and five-door hatchbacks, a sleek sportback and possibly a cabrio.

This latest rendering gives us an accurate look at what to expect for the entry-level three-door hatch, revealing designers will be sticking to the lines of the concept car. Some of the elements from the show cars that are unlikely to make production include the exposed aluminum arches, 18in alloys and LED headlights.

The A1 will share its platform with the new 2010 Volkswagen Polo and will be available as standard with FWD, though there will be performance models with quattro AWD. The new platform also means the A1 will be available with VW Group’s new low-cost DSG with seven gears in total.

Engine options will range from a series of low capacity TSI and TDI units ranging from 1.4 to 2.0L, and a new mild hybrid model may also be offered. The design will use a small electric motor integrated into the drivetrain, which kicks in during high-load situations. The full hybrid system with lithium-ion batteries as previewed by the Metroproject Concept is unlikely to enter production.

The five-door model should debut around the middle of next year and will be followed by the three-door shortly after.
2011 Audi A1 variants
2011 Audi A1 three-door preview

HI-RES GALLERY: audi a1 sportback 1

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 audi a1 3 door preview rendering 002




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Comments (4)

  1. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 4/14/2009 11:25am PDT

    Not even gonna get the five door in the US
     
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  2. ma_Rice1 avatar Rice1 Posted: 4/14/2009 3:18pm PDT

    Gotta see it in person. Front view looks ok, but the side view is just hideous!
     
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  3. ma_mitzo avatar mitzo Posted: 4/23/2009 2:04pm PDT

    Nope, will never see it cross the Atlantic.
     
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  4. By  gifts for her Posted: 12/7/2009 9:31pm PST

    Hi...
    great post.I was wondering this car model information only.Excellent model.I am going to purchase it.Thanks for sharing such a great information.
     
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