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6 5,593 views Aug 30, 2009
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2011 Audi A1 Convertible preview

2011 Audi A1 Convertible preview

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Audi’s new A1 premium compact is expected to hit showrooms in late 2010 but before that we should see a concept version of a new convertible A1, rumored to be unveiled as early as next month’s Frankfurt Auto Show. Aimed at squarely at other compact drop-tops, namely the Mini Convertible, the new A1 Convertible will follow the launch of its hard-top sibling by just several months.

The A1 Convertible will feature an automated fabric roof, but unlike the design of the Mini, where the roof folds away on top of the rear deck, the new A1’s soft-top will store neatly in the trunk when down. This design will allow for rear seats although they will be limited to only fitting small children.

Audi’s CEO has reaffirmed on a number of occasions plans to boost the brand’s lineup to 40 models by 2015, as well as expanding its production facilities. Audi has already confirmed it will invest €200 million in its Brussels plant to prepare it for the new A1 range.

The car will exclusively be built in Brussels and will be available in several different variations in addition to the core Hatchback model. The other variants are tipped to include a Sportback and a possible SUV-crossover.

Audi was originally planning to build around 100,000 A1s per year but with the new upgrades production can now be boosted closer to 120,000 units annually.





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Comments (6)

  1. By pj Posted: 8/30/2009 7:31am PDT

    Why make an A1 convertible? Is the A3/A5/TT convertible,s not enough?
     
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  2. By  DKing Posted: 8/30/2009 9:17am PDT

    I think it is a sad commentary of today's "enthusiast" that convertibles are even a part of premium performance lines like Audi and VW. What a waste of Engineering's resources.
     
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  3. By bepsf Posted: 8/30/2009 9:27am PDT

    "... the new A1’s soft-top will store neatly in the trunk when down. According to previous reports, the design means there will be no rear seats as they will have been taken up the extra storage space required for the roof."
    Huh?
    The pic shows rear seats - So which is it?
     
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  4. By Andrew Posted: 8/30/2009 11:48pm PDT

    I have to say that I question the intelligence of bothering with any rear seats in a car this small... I would honestly (and I think pretty much anyone) would rather have a boot that can hold 2 proper sized bags (ie for going away as a couple for a week) than a pair of useless seats... The people in the market for this sort of car are not families with small children!! And if they are then they can get an A3 convertible - there has to be some distinction between all these models!!
     
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  5. By bepsf Posted: 8/31/2009 9:51am PDT

    "I would honestly...
    ...rather have a boot that can hold 2 proper sized bags than a pair of useless seats..."
    Considering it's going to be about the same size as Rabbit/Golf 1 - and that convertible had a reasonably sized interior, even in the back...
     
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  6. By  Vitamins Posted: 12/1/2009 11:52pm PST

    I actually think that this is going to be good for Audi. This is going to get more people into an Audi and then they could upsell them when they go to trade it in. Granted, this is dependent on how well made and hwo well this car performs. They may say that it is a direct competitor to the bmw 1-Series but I can tell you that it won't perform like one. The BMW has 50 more HP in the highest trim (135i) but it is also going to be $15K less than the BMW. The problem you get trying to compare the two is how do you want to drive. The BMW has been designed for performance where the Audi has been designed for price and looks. If you want the driving experience, go for the BMW. If you want the open air in a good looking car, cheaply, buy the Audi A1.
     
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