German luxury automaker Audi dips into the diminutive as it unveils a concept of the pending A1, which it calls the Audi Metroproject Quattro, as a plug-in hybrid at October's Tokyo auto show.
The new A1 and its expected S1 performance twin are premium subcompacts, and the mules tested to date have been caught riding on the new Volkswagen Polo's underpinnings. Whether or not the A1 gets a more unique chassis, it will slot below the A3 that currently is Audi's entry-level vehicle, and the A1 will go head-to-head with the Mini Cooper and will be larger than the Smart Fortwo.
It is a second kick at the can: The expensive Audi A2 subcompact did not do well in Europe and was discontinued a couple years ago.
The four-passenger A1 is slated to go into production in late 2009 in three- and five-door hatch body styles (a B-pillar would be added for the production vehicles), followed a year later by a convertible. The lineup is also expected to include a two-door coupe. The S1 might have all-wheel drive.
