Photo: Audi
While Volkswagen struggles to stop its falling sales using the new Golf, its sister brand Audi is doing rather well with the A3, a car built on the same platform, but costing a lot more. Last year alone, they sold 22,250 units.
Despite this and the pleads of current Audi owners asking for the A1 on us soil, the company officials are unwilling to bring the supermini hatchback. In an interview with Wards Auto, Audi Sales and Marketing boss Luca de Meo made it clear there won't be any more moves downmarket, perhaps fearing that this would further dilute the brand.
This means that neither the A1 nor its Q1 crossover cousin will make a trip across the pond. Introduced in Europe back in 2010, the A1 is a subcompact based on the same PQ25 platform as the VW Polo. It's about a foot shorter than the A3 hatchback and is available with a range of small engines that vary from a 1-liter with 95 hp to a 2-liter powerhouse similar to the one in the Golf GTI.
During 2014, Audi saw demand for the new A3 rise hugely in America and is struggling to keep up with demand. The compact was their 4th best seller overall, behind the Q5, A4 and A6.
Only a high-spec car with a larger engine would make sense in America. But what would that cost? Well, in Germany, a 5-door A1 with a 150 hp 1.4-liter turbo an a twin-clutch gearbox retails from €23,850, which is $26,728. Even if they were able to bring it under 25k, the Cooper S is cheaper and much more powerful.
This means that neither the A1 nor its Q1 crossover cousin will make a trip across the pond. Introduced in Europe back in 2010, the A1 is a subcompact based on the same PQ25 platform as the VW Polo. It's about a foot shorter than the A3 hatchback and is available with a range of small engines that vary from a 1-liter with 95 hp to a 2-liter powerhouse similar to the one in the Golf GTI.
During 2014, Audi saw demand for the new A3 rise hugely in America and is struggling to keep up with demand. The compact was their 4th best seller overall, behind the Q5, A4 and A6.
What would an Audi A1 cost in America?
Despite Audi's reluctance to sell it, the A1 might have fans in America. Remember, this car is in the exact same class as the MINI hardtop. But while the Cooper S has independent rear suspension and a cult badge, Audi's model… doesn't.Only a high-spec car with a larger engine would make sense in America. But what would that cost? Well, in Germany, a 5-door A1 with a 150 hp 1.4-liter turbo an a twin-clutch gearbox retails from €23,850, which is $26,728. Even if they were able to bring it under 25k, the Cooper S is cheaper and much more powerful.
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