Your Take: the Audi A1 Concept

Sections: MINI Competitors Oct 19th, 2007 78 Comments

Due to popular demand, we’re giving you a post to sound-off on Audi’s supposed “MINI-Killer” – the Audi A1. Worldcarfans has leaked the images of the concept due next week at the Tokyo Auto show. But word is the production version will be very close to what you see here and at the link below. It’s got optional Quattro, a slick interior and a grille big enough to swallow pedestrians whole. Is it a threat to MINI sales or just another entry into a diversified and growing small car market? Let’s hear your opinions.

[ First Photos: Audi A1 Concept ] Worldcarfans.com

Written By: MF Staff

78 Comments

gokartride Oct 19th, 2007 Link

If the car didn’t look so rediculous it might offer some competition. Nasty.

Geno Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I love it! It’s no MINI. But I still love it.

Ron Oct 19th, 2007 Link

It’ll be nice if it has DSG. Maybe it’d force BMW to finally put a real transmission in the MINI.

But it doesn’t seem any more of a threat than that new little Volvo is to the MINI. Yes, they are all small cars, but it’s still hard to beat the BMW heritage. And when it comes to looks, the MINI is still so very unique – while this Audi and the little Volvo look like shrunken versions of their bigger brothers.

Plus, VW/Audi’s never seem quite as well built as a MINI (despite MINI’s little problems). They continue to be plagued with problems – such as unfixable leaks that at best annoy you and make the car smell, and at worst destroys important components.

Mark R Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I was a little worried when I first heard about this a few months ago. Worried that it might be something I would want to get out of my MINI for, but now that I see the concept and the direction they want to head…..I’m no longer worried. :)

There is the BMW 135i though…

Vanwall Oct 19th, 2007 Link

It looks like an angry hamster – what is with this trend for HUGE oral fixations on new cars? And did they take a sawzall to a regular Ow-di? I suppose it could be a threat for wannabee-hot-hatch drivers with manly issues, but its attractions are lost on me.

Astro S Oct 19th, 2007 Link

Ya … mmmm … not really sure what to say about that. Trying so hard to be something unique and trend setting and … well in my opinion … missing by such a wide margin. Looks like a Fiat design concept from the 70’s.

Nadim Oct 19th, 2007 Link

More pictures and details about the A1 and AudiPhone can be found here : New Audi A1 (concept) & AudiPhone

nuvolari Oct 19th, 2007 Link

Not too worried about aesthetics, myself. I’d like to see some numbers.

drew Oct 19th, 2007 Link

nastiest. grille. ever.

Jon Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I warmed up to Audi’s newer “big gaping grille” look a couple years ago, but this rendering really makes me recoil a bit. I love Audis and VW’s, but this is tough to take. I’m hoping that when we see the actual photographs from the Tokyo show next week, the photos will be more flattering.

I think competition makes things better. I am looking forward to seeing this car, in real photos and videos, not this rendering…

Madoc Oct 19th, 2007 Link

The front end looks like an industrial vacuum cleaner.

lavardera Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I’m not getting the front grill either – it just feel ill proportioned. All the Audi grills fell a little to big for me right now, and this one could have been smaller and yet still felt too big on a small car. I think they went way overboard on that – maybe the production car will be tamer.

The other thing that jumps out is the aluminum arch – emphasizing this form to me feels like a throw back to the original TT, which perhaps is deliberate. They claim that is the mother of their current design theme.

I read that they will offer the dual clutch transmission on it, and with quattro on tap then no doubt it may be a great drive. But if you option it up like that then a more fair comparison may be to the Mini with the JCW works on it – could be a real close match. I’d bet the journalists tip to the DSG in their reviews though. When BMW rolls out their version they’d better out-do Audi at their own game.

I don’t think comparisons to the Volvo make sense since its a larger class car than the Mini, and it appears the A1. The C30 and the GTI, Mazdaspeed3, sure.

saakey Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I like it.. and think it has great potential. Of course sice the design keeps changing, i’m not going to assume this is the final version. What will help it the most will be the optional quattro version. If that car was all black and not so computer generated, it would look slick. I wouldn’t say it’s a Mini killer. I’d like to know who is actually saying that anyway. I doubt those are Audis words.

Richard Oct 19th, 2007 Link

There are aspects to this car that are cool, in my opinion. They did not hit it overall, though.

Pete Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I kind of like it. The interior is a bit silly and too “cute” but it’s pretty cheeky but we have to remember it’s still a concept. It too may push MINI to stay ahead of the curve, without an SUV!

Jimskater Oct 19th, 2007 Link

With what little I’ve seen — the wcf site is acting hinky on me — it reads as a none too successful mash-up of a (Holden)Pontiac GTO, 08 Chevrolet Camaro Concept & the Fiat 500 that just hit the market, fronted by a poorly made meat grinder, with the exhausts as the knozzles for the built in sausage makers.

Of course, all of the above could be the fault of a rendering that appears to have been done by the Autoexpress “art” staff.

Chad Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I love the concept, but I don’t think what I love will end up in production, much as the Clubman concept didn’t carry all it’s wonderful features into production. If the production vehicle is what the concept claims, then it would be on my shopping list. I just don’t expect that to happen.

Chad Oct 19th, 2007 Link

“No more guesses. No more renderings. We have obtained the first official photos of the Audi Metroproject Quattro concept, believed to be the first version of the Audi A1.”

Who are they kidding? That’s not a photo.

Callahan Oct 19th, 2007 Link

Well…Ummm…Uhhhh…..Nah

Sean Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I don’t get any emotional kick when looking at this. It may be slick but it doesn’t do anything for me. It’d have to be one helluva drivers car to get me to give up my MINI for that ugly thing.

Vanwall Oct 19th, 2007 Link

Upon further reflection, I can’t justify considering so hideous looking a vehicle as an alternative to the MINI, regardless of DSG, AWG, MOD, ASC, CIA, whatever – I couldn’t take myself seriously in a car that looks like it’s glaring out of a gopher hole at Carl the groundskeeper. Even its side view is unbalanced – it’s practically asking “Where’s the rest of me?” – lose something in a train accident, too? If they’re trying to evoke the original TT, cute silver arches aren’t enough – they need this effort to be as well-proportioned and clean-cut as that car was, which had a balanced and clean look, with no oversized compensation features. Back to the drawing board, and no more Happy Tree Friends studies like this one.

Pete Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I am turned off by the huge grill too. Looks very very angry. I am not sure what is Audi thinking about this big grill theme. Auto stylists are desperately looking for some visual differentiators. But personally, this is a big turn off for me. I may as well mention that some of what BMW designers are doing are also bad. The old 3 series has a much better styling and much cleaner look while the new one looks more like..well I don’t really remember how it looks.. It is more generic now and it is the problem.

Dave Mac Mini Oct 19th, 2007 Link

LOL! Gopher! That’s a good one. However, it’s a great analogy. The thing does look like one!

MINI killer? Not a chance. However, it will be a great drive, as all Audis are.

GregW Oct 19th, 2007 Link

What is it with car designers especially Bangle who try and make the cars look like birds or animals? Bangles eagle eye headlamps scare young children. This audi looks angry. Whatever happened to good old reliable round headlamps and radiator grilles which actually served a purpose as well as being stylish? Still there were some cars from the 50s in USA that looked like rocketships.

IE Oct 19th, 2007 Link

hahha- competion for the MINI…what a poor excuse for a small car.

g Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I rather like the back end, especially the moulding of the bumper around the tail pipes.

Brendan Oct 19th, 2007 Link

The aluminum pillars look terrible. But if it’s anything like the A3 mini won’t have to worry. The suspension in audis is typically pretty sloppy unless you’re driving an S car. (S5,S4 etc…)

Doug Oct 19th, 2007 Link

This effeminate toy isn’t going to fly in the USA.

Engine could be cool if it’s the 2.0T. But Audi has a habit of under-delivering on horsepower.

Audi has a reputation for under-delivering, period. Which is why their arrogance in pronouncing their concept a MINI killer is not surprising.

You always over-talk what you can’t really do.

Drill Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I’m originally a VW/Audi guy so I may be a little biased but… I like it. The grill has GOT to be altered somehow though. The comment above wasn’t far off the mark… you COULD fit a pedestrian in that thing. Other than that, I think Audi succeeded in giving the A1 an aggressive appearance. If Audi brings a 2.0T Quattro version to the US then I’ll likely consider it when it’s time to replace my R53. That said, I wouldn’t sell my MCS to go out and buy an A1 ;-)

jas cooper Oct 19th, 2007 Link

fugly

jas cooper Oct 19th, 2007 Link

CNET says:

“The Audi A1 makes BMW’s Mini Cooper look like Minnie Mouse, a colorful, fun and quirky friend you once thought was cute as a child. But now that you’re an adult your interests lie more toward Heidi Klum or Seal.”

Chuck Oct 19th, 2007 Link

One word “UGLY”

Dylan Oct 19th, 2007 Link

It’s a nice car – but I’d still take the mini.

PS: where does your front number plate go?

Im1hapa Oct 19th, 2007 Link

Looks like a cross breed between aggressive & cute…which makes it look rather awkward to me.

Zyamfier Oct 19th, 2007 Link

Front Grille – You could cook a lot of meat on that thing!

Headlight/Taillight – I think they are kind of cool. But something more suited for the Camaro/Firebird crowd.

Roof line – Can’t say that is Audi but more VW Bug.

Battery thing in the back – Yea Marty McFly had a flux-capacitor in his car….and he always had to pull a McGyver to get back home.

Maybe a convertible of this would look better. I just don’t like that roof.

mike c. Oct 19th, 2007 Link

That is one mean looking car. I think the interior is very nice in that it is functional and unusual. I think it will appeal to the hot hatch enthusiast, but it will not be a MINI killer. MINI is unique in that it’s “cute” for many, and it appeals to the hot hatch fans because of what’s underneath.

Doona Oct 19th, 2007 Link

That is just terrible

Revhed Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I drive a MINI mainly because of the way it drives, not so much how it looks – The proof with the A1 for me will be whether there is substance behind it’s (overcooked in my view) style

Luke K Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I think thats a pretty ugly picture (the chrome thing doesn’t do it for me). But I’ve done some research on the side - http://img.stern.de/_content/56/80/568048/AUDI-A1-v_750.jpg http://auditorio.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/audi-a1.jpg

Also, consider the s1 having awd and a 6 cylinder engine. Even a $40000 factory S can’t top that. I like it.

Pretzel Logic Oct 19th, 2007 Link

Looks like somebody tacked the front end of a Chrysler 300 onto a TT. Did all the DaimlerChrysler designers defect to VW/Audi?

Jay9s Oct 19th, 2007 Link

Well of course it’s a Mini killer…If you’re an Audi fan.

I just think it’s great that there is so much action in the hot hatch market.

Kevin Oct 19th, 2007 Link

Nice bbq grille up front. It makes the Dodge and Chrysler battering ram front ends look conservative. I don’t think Audi has the strength of presence in the US small car market to really rattle anyone, let alone the impenetrable MINI community. Having driven the FWD A3 and been terribly dissappointed, it won’t get a second look from me. I’m sure if this does gain some traction, an S1 will follow. That may very well encourage development of an AWD MINI coupe many people have hoped for and keep things interesting in our neck of the woods.

Matt Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I’m not feeling it. I saw the C30 today for the first time up close and was surprised at how ugly it was. I would never, never, never want to buy one of those and I’m pretty sure I don’t like the Audi either. Maybe a new TT would be ok or a A3 but hands down I’d be a thousand times more happy with a MCS or 128.

Ernie Oporto Oct 19th, 2007 Link

WOW, looks terrible.

gmini Oct 19th, 2007 Link

Yick. Mean. Napoleanic Mean.

Gabe Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I think thats a pretty ugly picture (the chrome thing doesnâ€™t do it for me). But Iâ€™ve done some research on the side - http://img.stern.de/content/56/80/568048/AUDI-A1-v750.jpg http://auditorio.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/audi-a1.jpg

Those pics are of another Audi concept that was based on the new TT. Totally different car and very different market.

bluzeke Oct 19th, 2007 Link

. . . are we sure this isn’t just a character sketch from PIXAR for CARS II ?!

gmini Oct 19th, 2007 Link

lol.i wanna stuff a costcoload of roast chicken into that gaping yaw. (napoleanic reference)

Nozz Oct 19th, 2007 Link

I kinda like it… but just kinda. A1 “steaksauce” convertible maybe.

Jon Oct 20th, 2007 Link

Rather indifferent on the design, definitely a Audi, have to say haven’t been a fan of the new front ends but then again I drive a Mini so not to worried how the front end of a Audi looks. Should be interesting to see how their performance model stacks up against the future JCW factory kit.

Radley Oct 20th, 2007 Link

I like it, but I don’t see it as a MINI killer. I really dont like the whole silver A-C pillar. I love the front end and the back end its very sporty looking. To bad that if they do make an S1 they wont offer it in the States.

Paul Shears Oct 20th, 2007 Link

Very diappointing indeed. Audi have not learnt that the reason for the failure of the A2 was simply that a really good idea was wrecked for numourous reasond by a committee. Well here we go again! Look Audi, take a look at the VW polo 2002 model as your starting point & just take it up market. Where’s the very necesssary vertical back end? Audi had an opportunity here to make a poor man’s porshe with an every day utilitarian element. They failed totally and the proposed reality is amongst the worst of the speculations that I have seen. This car, like the Audi A2, is aimed directly at myself i.e. somone willing to pay a top price for a top quality small car. Just like the A2 I will not be buying one.

Paul Shears Oct 20th, 2007 Link

Very disappointing indeed. Audi have not learnt that the reason for the failure of the A2 was simply that a really good idea was wrecked for numerous reasond by a committee. Well here we go again! Look Audi, take a look at the VW polo 2002 model as your starting point & just take it up market. Whereâ€™s the very necesssary vertical back end? Audi had an opportunity here to make a poor manâ€™s porsche with an every day utilitarian element. They failed totally and the proposed reality is amongst the worst of the speculations that I have seen. This car, like the Audi A2, is aimed directly at myself i.e. somone willing to pay a top price for a top quality small car. Just like the A2 I will not be buying one.

steve Oct 20th, 2007 Link

I thinks its awesome especially with the AWD option. I don’t see it as a competitor for the Mini, more so the BMW 1 series (it’s definitely a step above the Mini performance wise).

Aurel Oct 20th, 2007 Link

Besides the grille … i am sold on this car visually inside and out

lavardera Oct 20th, 2007 Link

Man – what did we unleash here?

Um – hey everybody – free beer over in the 08 pricing comments…!

tsukiji Oct 20th, 2007 Link

I’m intrigued, but I’d like to toss it around a bit before I render an opinion.

MINIme Oct 20th, 2007 Link

While it is certainly flattering for other auto makers to make MINI a target, there is little comparison. A Volvo is a Volvo, an Audi an Audi. Many cars can be made to go faster, handle better (questionable) and draw more attention than the MINI, but it is the entire package that MINI has created that appeals to automotive enthusiasts, and specifically, our community. When I think of Audi, I think of (AWD)Quattro. In my opinion, that’s all they have going for them. Otherwise, they are overpriced and unreliable. Nice try Audi. Variety is the spice of life. I am sure there is an audience for this car.

greg Oct 20th, 2007 Link

ZZZZZZZ. This, the Volvo, the Smart, GTI, and all the other Johnny come lately imitators don’t impress me. The is only one Mini with it’s pedigree and unigue performance and styling that have created this community. Can you imagine a Peugot weekend at the Dragon? Never happen. That was the big let down with Porsche, no sense of comradere or fun.

Flavor of the month. Next?

Ije Oct 20th, 2007 Link

Fit and Finish will be top notch. For new buyers, the potential is there.

However, the MINI is not just about the car itself anymore for MINI owners. The MINI is a way of life.

The only car that can take the place of a MINI, is another MINI.

SO a MINI KILLER for me? NEVER!

Ozbone Oct 20th, 2007 Link

The first few images, featuring the front and the roofline, show some character. BUT the side and rear views are just awful. The interior is boring. Audi’s drivetrains “might” save this concept but I personally would stay away.

Hoover Oct 20th, 2007 Link

Interesting–but I would pass. Good to see the MINI effect on other car makers.

I know some Audi faithful, and they might go for it–even if the thing will shake itself apart in short order. Should do well in other markets.

Hoover Oct 21st, 2007 Link

PS: where does your front number plate go?

Good point. This design won’t fly in those states that require the front plate (e.g., CA). I would guess that we are not seeing the final version of this front end.

RB Oct 21st, 2007 Link

Lotta fun inventive comments, especially you VANWALL. Down with bad cold, you made my morning. Some strange links though. Back to bed….. oh yeah…. FUGLY!

Brian Oct 21st, 2007 Link

Looks good.

ahamos Oct 21st, 2007 Link

My first thought was that the bottom half looks like a vicious bull that’s about to eat your face. I like that. But the top half is way too tall, and I just can’t get excited about that aluminum arch.

Quattro & DSG will make this car a beast if (and only if) Audi can keep the weight down.

TT Oct 21st, 2007 Link

I kinda like the way it looks. I would love to see one in person. Either way I won’t be in line to trade my MINI for one when they come out : )

O(=^=)OCapn Oct 21st, 2007 Link

What happened to everyone? this was posted on the 19th and nothing new has been posted since the 21st?

michael Oct 22nd, 2007 Link

Well, BMW’s 1 Series with the 300hp twin turbo is a no-brainer when comparing it to say a well fitted JCW Mini. My 2005 JCW cost just over 30K with very few additional options. Another 3-4K for a 300hp rear wheel driver is an easy choice. The point here is that the JCW power output should be part of the base model line-up given the hp figures found in other competitors. Mini is very expensive to buy and own and is a marginal value. Great moves for sure, but many others also posses great moves for less.

James Oct 22nd, 2007 Link

Uggo!

PaulGraz Oct 22nd, 2007 Link

The Audi fans will love it, as I’m sure they’ve been wanting a smaller car. But MINI-killer? Um, no.

However, since they went with a grill that’s interchangable with a Peterbuilt truck, that should save them some development costs…

And that silver roofline band is stolen right off the Saturn Ion, which begs the question: What were they thinking?

And what is that silly window thing in the boot floor?

But I feel I should say SOMETHING positive: Good choice of tires!

DCMotorer Oct 22nd, 2007 Link

With this type of question I should have guessed that, for the most part, it would be a bunch of fanboys flaming the Audi and going on about how nothing is or ever will be anywhere near as good as a MINI.

First, the car pictured above is a CONCEPT, which means it will most likely be different than the production model. The question posed was not whether you like the design, but rather whether it is a “threat to MINI sales or just another entry into a diversified and growing small car market?” Considering that the premium small car market is growing, it makes sense to assume that there will be increasing demand for other options in the segment. Some buyers will prefer MINI, while others will prefer the offerings from Volvo, Audi, VW, etc. If the segment continues to expand, I don’t think the Audi A1 will be a major threat to MINI sales, but it will be a competitor. It will take away some sales from MINI but Audi will also bring its own customers who previously may not have considered a premium small car because they didn’t like the previous small car offerings.

I welcome new MINI competitors because it will give consumers more choices. It will also force MINI to stay on its game and continue to build great cars in order to remain a leader in the segment. We should embrace more competition because it ultimately benefits us as car buyers.

Ian F Oct 22nd, 2007 Link

Maybe it’s just me, but it looks like the proportions are a bit “off”. The wheels & wheel wells look too small. Sort of the same problem Pontiac’s GTO had.

There’s too much sheet metal between the top of the rear wheel arch and the belt line – it makes you think ‘econo-box’ in a subliminal way… Like the GTO, the casual observer won’t like the car and will have trouble figuring out why.

Ian F Oct 22nd, 2007 Link

…the MINI would have the same problem if it weren’t for the plastic trim pieces. And even when they’ve been painted the body color, they still visually break up the lines enough to make the car look more agressive.

This is really the first time I’ve thought about it, but the arches are a piece of styling genius and really help make the car, visually.

Dan Oct 22nd, 2007 Link

If they fixed that fugly front grill, they might have something!

That said, I couldn’t see paying more than $30K for that car, no matter how many options it came with. That’s a a bit low for something on Audi’s lot!

Pete Oct 22nd, 2007 Link

Where would the front plate go? I have an answer. Just place it somewhere on the grill, like a hamburger..

greylight Oct 24th, 2007 Link

Hey! Is that an R56 speedo on the front of that thing? :)

(Note: I drive an R56 and actually don’t mind the speedo.)

lavardera Nov 7th, 2007 Link

more sword rattling from the Audi people:

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071107/FREE/71107001/1530/FREE

“Audi CEO Rupert Stadler says he is considering the upcoming A1 for the U.S. market despite the cool reception to the compact A3 sport wagon in the market.”

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