Photo: Theophilus Chin
With all the engineers fixated on the SUV range, Audi's little A1 hasn't been getting any attention lately. We're afraid that between now and 2018, which is when the all-new model comes out, there won't be any updates. A lot could change in that time, especially the design language of a company, so the next A1 could end up looking like this!
Theophilus Chin has put together an engaging rendering for the next A1 3-door hatchback. The front is where all the changes have been concentrated, as the German supermini has been gifted with the headlights of an Audi A1 and the sharp air intakes of the Prologue concept car.
It's an appealing combination. The B-segment hatchback market is jammed full of cute cars with big eyes and rounded corners. The A1 could look as sharp as a Gilette razor blade and just as masculine.
Technologically speaking, we have no idea what to expect from the next A1, since Volkswagen Group has become lazy in this segment. The all-new Skoda Fabia pretends to be radically different, but it's got an identical footprint to the Polo. As for SEAT, its all-new Ibiza was supposed to debut in 2016, but nobody has seen the testing prototypes yet.
With the way small engine technology has been progressing, the Audi A1 will rely a lot on the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder turbo. The 1.4 TSI and 1.4 TDI should continue being offered until the end of this decade. However, Audi has already pulled the 1.8 TSI and the 2.0 TDI from the range. A hybrid model looks very likely, as the A1 was used as the first test vehicle for the e-tron project many years ago.
The smallest Audi will also change its home two years from now. Production will be relocated from Brussels to the Martorell factory in Spain, taking the place of the Q3, which is being moved to Hungary.
Even though the A1 might seem insignificant, it plays a significant role. 80% of buyers are new to the German brand and if they like it, they will buy an A3 or Q3 next time. A third of buyers opt for the S tronic automatic transmission while half want the added practicality of the 5-door body.
It's an appealing combination. The B-segment hatchback market is jammed full of cute cars with big eyes and rounded corners. The A1 could look as sharp as a Gilette razor blade and just as masculine.
Technologically speaking, we have no idea what to expect from the next A1, since Volkswagen Group has become lazy in this segment. The all-new Skoda Fabia pretends to be radically different, but it's got an identical footprint to the Polo. As for SEAT, its all-new Ibiza was supposed to debut in 2016, but nobody has seen the testing prototypes yet.
With the way small engine technology has been progressing, the Audi A1 will rely a lot on the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder turbo. The 1.4 TSI and 1.4 TDI should continue being offered until the end of this decade. However, Audi has already pulled the 1.8 TSI and the 2.0 TDI from the range. A hybrid model looks very likely, as the A1 was used as the first test vehicle for the e-tron project many years ago.
The smallest Audi will also change its home two years from now. Production will be relocated from Brussels to the Martorell factory in Spain, taking the place of the Q3, which is being moved to Hungary.
Even though the A1 might seem insignificant, it plays a significant role. 80% of buyers are new to the German brand and if they like it, they will buy an A3 or Q3 next time. A third of buyers opt for the S tronic automatic transmission while half want the added practicality of the 5-door body.
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