Audi A1: Mini-Size Car, but Not for America

Small, in automotive terms, has always been associated with the word cheap. But it seems those terms may be parting ways as automakers experiment with the idea that small could successfully be associated with luxury.
At the Geneva auto show next month, Audi will unveil its Mini-size A1, a economical but luxury-infused subcompact. The A1 should go on sale by this summer in Europe at a price starting of about $22,000.
But while Audi says the A1 will “redefine” notions about what is possible for a premium subcompact, the company doesn’t seem to believe that Americans can get their heads around the concept. So there are no plans to sell the car in the United States because Audi says demand would be “too weak.”

Can Audi honestly think that demand would be weak for a hot, luxurious hatchback that also gets from 43 to 61 miles per gallon? (Yes, that’s United States gallons.)
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shabaru - 2/11/2010 10:48:20 AM

+1 Boost

Well that is rather unfortunate..... I was actually looking forward to taking a look at this in person but I guess I won't be anymore..... was it because of the 1-series?

theoptimisticpessimist - 2/11/2010 11:54:04 AM

+1 Boost

It's because Audi NA sucks.

Agent63 - 2/12/2010 1:07:19 AM

+1 Boost

North American's are too fat to fit in these cars.

bmwdrvr - 2/11/2010 12:35:40 PM

0 Boost

The concept.... Companies have been taking economy cars and wrapping them in new sheet metal and passing them off a premium cars for years Cadillac did it with the Cavalier years ago lol.....

CarCrazedinCali - 2/11/2010 1:49:45 PM

0 Boost

Audi is scared of competing with the MINI in the US I am guessing

AudiNewEngland - 2/11/2010 10:41:01 PM

+1 Boost

I don't want this in the US, just like I don't want the A or B class or 118i. They all look awful. The A3 shoulda been left behind as well, though I must admit that seeing S3's in Australia does make me want one.