Audi Set to Take on the MINI?

Sections: Best of the Web | Rumor Feb 21st, 2006 16 Comments

Last week, a few auto news blogs featured reports of a new MINI-killer coming from Audi by 2010. Early reports have been accompanied by photos posted to an AutoWeek forum. However AutoBilde is currently running rendered images that seem to be much more realistic.

Photos aside, the news of the car’s specs is vague at best. All that’s reported is that the vehicle could replace the current A2 model, sport 3 doors, seat four people and be powered by the new VAG twincharger lumps, with perhaps diesel engines available as well. It’s hard to see any more than two people fitting in there, and I only count 2 headrests. Pricing was suggested at 15.000 to 20.000 Euro, translating to between $18,000 to $24,000 US – which does fall right in current MINI territory.

As usual, this speculation stuff has to be taken with a grain of salt. No real sources for this information are named, and there is no official news release from Audi. However, some sites are reporting German magazine AutoBild has the story in it’s latest issue – a quick look at their site only reveals a comparison piece between a new Works S and and a Morris Mini Minor. Can any MF readers confirm the existence of this story?

All in all, it seems that with the production of the current TT ending this year, and a flurry of chatter about Audi’s latest concept vehicles, perhaps this story is simply fan speculation on the direction of Audi’s much-acclaimed entry-level sportster. But it is interesting to note that some see the need for manufacturers to step up and challenge the MINI in the luxury small car segment.

Written By: Lawrence

GSKChicago

Cadillac tried doing a quasi-luxury small car in the 80′s (remember the Cimarron?). All it was though was a Chevy Cavalier with some different sheet metal, slightly different engine and interior upgrades. It failed pretty horribly.

Audi would hopefully be a bit wiser in their attempt to compete with a car as successful as the MINI and not just patch up a different car to look different and then market it as a competitor.

Overall, I think as fantastic as our MINI’s are, it would be good to see some competition – I think everyone wins in that scenario. Not that I would switch to a competitor mind you, but that doesn’t mean competition would be bad.
alpha-6

With Dodge, Audi, and an array of other auto makers making “MINI Killers” I guess the add holds true…..”the official car of the world getting smaller” ;)
Chris LW

The interesting thing to me is that the A3 is not considered the MINI competition, the A2 is; guess it’s positioned a bit higher (esp from a price perspective). Audi makes some nice cars, if I could afford a luxury sedan I’d lean their way vs. the BMW primarily due to styling and iDrive….still like that German handling.
AJ Igel

I’m iffy. I can see Audi making smaller cars, but how likely is it that they’ll make it to America? Seems like something due for the European market, and maybe Canada.

I did like the shooting break concept, that was nice. I’d at least consider one, but I’m not looking to get rid of my Mini anytime soon. Its probably more of a threat to the Mini’s market than say…an Aveo, but come on.

Anyway, I’m all for the small car boom that seems to be starting up. That means more parking spaces on the street. Awesome.
Trick

I think VAG is really muddying the waters of their product lines. Which is the luxury line and which is the people’s car again? I’m confused.
mcswrks

All I see is the Audi TT concept, and the Audi A2. Audi’s “Mini” ripoff looks ridiculous and silly. If Volkswagens new Mk 5 GTi cannot even out perform a current JCW, I think this is even worse.
Mark

The one comment on the Fortitude board “looks like the marshmello man took a poop” says it all.
JD

I would consider buying one of those… If I was into really ugly cars.
Mark

They can build all the cars they desire, because regardless what they come up with it will never be a Mini.
JAG

That photo turned out to be a scale model the size of a Hot Wheels car. Impresive work of photography, it started in some german blog but some mags got excieted and jumped the gun.
JAG

Sorry about the excieted typo! I was to excited myself. Cheers
ChrisW

MINI-killers, 3-series-killers, iPod-killers, blah blah blah….all just smoke and bluster.

How about a simple MINI competitor instead?

OT: is anyone else digging the new GTi “My Fast” commercials? “My Fast likes the windows down.” Love it.
http://motoringfile.com Mark

It appears that this rumour was not legitimate – have a look on the Autoblob website.
EricZ

The Audi looks more like a Miniture Minivan than a take off of a MINI.
jarrrett

no fear mini, the comptetion just got uglier
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