A1 shapes up to tackle MINI

The new baby of the Audi range has hatched! Auto Express’s spies have taken the first pictures of the German firm’s newcomer on test, and it’s set to give the MINI a real fright.

Our main image shows how the latest model will look when it arrives in European showrooms – but engineers are getting cleverer with their prototypes. While the silver car in our spy shots resem­bles a modified VW Polo GTI, underneath the distorted body lies the chassis for the A1. Tell-tale signs include the extended wheel­arches, to accom­modate the model’s wider track, and the Audi alloys.

Auto Express first revealed plans to build a small A1-badged hatchback in Issue 946 and, since then, the project has been progressing quickly. As well as providing a smaller alternative to the A3, the entry-level car will draw customers away from flagship MINI models.

As you can see, the new A1 will be compact and distinctive. Audi’s most recent small hatchback was the supermini MPV-shaped A2. However, while the aluminium-bodied city car was a great technical accomplishment, its high price and quirky layout hampered sales. The A1 will take a more conventional route to success, using a traditional three-door layout and styling that builds on the themes introduced in the new A4 and A5.

The most distinctive feature will be at the front. The four-sided, chrome- rimmed grille is familiar as Audi’s, but the bonnet will have a strong crease, emphasising the shape of the nose. At the rear, the squat stance merges elements of the A3 and TT.

Inside, designers will be keen to give the dashboard a more creative style without compromising quality. Expect a slimmed-down version of the MMI cabin control system on top-of-the-range models, too.

Although the A1 will initially be offered only as a three-door, Audi might expand the line-up to include other bodystyles. A five-door and even a cabriolet could be added to give the brand the full range of models to rival all of BMW’s entry-level cars.

As with its stablemates, the newcomer will benefit from the latest petrol and diesel engine technology. Dual turbo and superchar­ged units, direct-injection petrol power­plants and ultra-efficient small capacity oil-burners will all be offered.

The A1 will be built at Audi’s plant in Brussels, Belgium, after debut­ing as a concept next year. It is then due to hit showrooms here in 2010.