American Audi A1 Still in Doubt

Audi really hopes that the freshly-revealed A1 will be a massive hit when it will go on sale this summer but contrary to what many might expect, the new small car won't be sold in the United States. At least, this is what company insiders familiar with the matter are claiming, although there are several things that indicate an American A1 is still possible. But first things first.

The A1 was initially believed to help Audi step into the US small class segment and the fact that the Germans used Justin Timberlake to promote the car might be a sign that such a thing is indeed possible. On the other hand, Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi's global sales and marketing boss, told Autonews in March that Audi's small cars won't be sold in the US for the time being, indicating that a potential launch of the A1 might be possible, but only at a later date.

"I'm not so sure yet we really see a trend to small cars in the United States," he said at that time.

A report by the Detroit Free Press says the A1 orders are already paving the way to success in Europe. But once again, no American version, as the company intends to keep its smallest model away from GM's domestic market.

Audi A1 will be offered in Europe with a total of four engine configurations, two gasoline and two diesel, all direct fuel injected and turbocharged: entry-level 1.2 TFSI (86 hp/160 Nm), 1.4 TFSI (122 hp/200 Nm), 1.6 TDI (105 hp/250 Nm) and another version of the 1.6 TDI (90 hp/230 Nm).