Audi introduces its Mini-fighter, but not for American consumption.
By American standards, the Volkswagen Golf--based Audi A3 is a little car. Not so in Europe, however, where the A3 is a legitimate family hauler. In other words, there is plenty of room in Audi's European product portfolio for a car with tidier dimensions. Enter the A1 , Audi's third attempt at the true small-car segment. The A1 is based on the VW Polo platform, a model that, ironically, emerged in 1975 as the cheapo version of the short-lived Audi 50. Audi's second attempt, the all-aluminum A2, failed mostly because it was underpowered and overpriced at its launch in 1999. Today, the Luc Donckerwolke--styled A2 is gaining cult status, albeit a bit too late. End of history lesson.
Mini Paved the Way
This new take on a small-car entry is similarly upscale, only now there's a market for it. For this, we can thank the Mini's wild success. Both cars are similar in concept but vastly