Audi A1 a Hit in Europe, Still Not Coming to North America
Despite an even better than expected reception in Europe, Audi still has no plans to bring its A1 subcompact model to North America. Initial production for Europe was scheduled to be 50,000 units, but Audi may look at upping that number thanks to overwhelming demand.
In Europe the “small premium” segment is catching on fast with the A1 designed to take on the current segment leader, the MINI Cooper.
No doubt Audi’s hesitance to bring the A1 to North America is due to its size (although it is slightly larger than a MINI Cooper) as well as brand perception. Audi is working hard in North America to establish itself as more than just a BMW and Mercedes follower. Instead, Audi wants to establish itself as a segment leader with significant focus on flagship models like the A8 and R8. A car like the A1 could potentially damage that image. After all, it’s not like BMW risked its own brand image in introducing the MINI lineup.
While we understand Audi’s predicament, we have to think an A1 with the 1.4-liter TFSI engine with 122-hp and 147 ft-lbs of torque mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic would make for an impressive ride.
[Source: FreePress]
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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The modern costumer is concerned with a different paradigm than pure luxury. Now it is cool having environmental appeals, and also styling, of course. Well, I think this car would be very stylish for the streets of NY!