Audi considers compact A1 for the U.S. market

Audi recently unveiled their new Audi Metroproject Quattro Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. The concept is said to be the first design study of the upcoming Audi A1. It is now reported that Audi is considering the car for the U.S. market despite the slow sales of its compact A3.

“There is absolutely a potential for that kind of vehicle in America,” Rupert Stadler, Audi’s CEO, said at the Tokyo Motor Show. “With the A3, we have...
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Audiphile - 11/8/2007 11:32:10 AM

+3 Boost

It's a cool-looking car all right. More modern and agressive-looking than the Mini. However, if Audi does bring the A1 to America I hope they incorporate one Mini attribute - generous interior room for the driver and front-seat passenger. In spite of my height (6'4" and long-waisted), I can fit quite comfortably in the front seats of the Mini without my head hitting the ceiling or my knees hitting the steering wheel.

DieselRules - 11/9/2007 2:17:31 AM

+1 Boost

If you're tall and want space try the Beetle. You can wear a Stetson and it won't hit the roof if you crank the seat down.

DaHarder - 11/8/2007 1:43:49 PM

+1 Boost

Only if priced sub 20k, which well all know won't happen...

mini22 - 11/8/2007 1:51:38 PM

+2 Boost

Yes-I own a 2006 Cooper S and it is quite roomy up front.

Larry - 11/8/2007 1:54:04 PM

-1 Boost

Bring it on, look at the the success the A3 has had in the US a whopping 400-500 a month.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/8/2007 5:09:47 PM

+1 Boost

And I know, the BMW 3 Series hatch did so much better.

At least the A3 is popular in urban areas. It will improve when people realize that small cars can be better than big cars--and the A3 is quite impressive.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/8/2007 5:10:38 PM

+1 Boost

I don't think this should happen. It won't do well until the US market is really ready.

rok_altima - 11/8/2007 5:19:31 PM

0 Boost

Why can't Audi bring the 3 door A3 here? it will make it seem less like a wagon and appeal more to the 25-35 something single men/women

S4cabriofoxone - 11/8/2007 7:10:19 PM

+1 Boost

The only one I'd really find interesting is the S3, because the regular two-door A3 is boring in the back. The five-door is cooler.

EnvyofyouRS5 - 11/9/2007 1:08:34 AM

0 Boost

bye bye Golf GTI, if this thing hits shores, it'll drop the vw like amazin bimmer drops bad lines.

DieselRules - 11/9/2007 2:26:01 AM

+1 Boost

I don't think they're similar in size. This looks more like its based on a Lupo or Polo.
Which means it could have the 1.4 TDI engine, or even TSI.

But in no way competition a GTI, which can carry a choice of washer, dryer, or 30-inch range in the back with the rear seats folded. The reason that the Golf is the best selling car model ever, is that it has immense practicality.
This looks like it will carry a microwave oven and not much more........

Star - 11/9/2007 1:32:40 PM

+1 Boost

The fact that the GTI is so good is the reason A3 sells so bad, so no need for you to be worried. Just like DieselRules said, A1 is not a GTI competitor.

XYZZ - 11/11/2007 7:11:39 AM

+1 Boost

looks like a matchbox or toy car.

do the already exaggerated audi grilles get BIGGER as the CAR gets smaller?