Audi Metroproject Quattro (2007) unveiled

By Guy Bird

First Official Pictures

24 October 2007 03:54

The countdown to Audi’s supermini A1 starts here

The Audi Metro Project concept – unveiled in the metal for the first time at the 2007 Tokyo show today – may have been billed as a ‘design study’, but the German marque’s going to make it with little changed, and soon. The official line at Audi’s press conference from chairman Rupert Stadler went as follows: 'In two years’ time I imagine that we will find many aspects of this car in the new Audi A1.' Head of Audi Group design Wolfgang Egger was more forthcoming. He told CAR Online the sporty three-door four-seat prestige supermini concept was '80 percent production ready'. The version you’ll be able to buy is expected at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The exterior proportions look pretty close to production already. In terms of details, design boss Egger said the striking wide metal strip defining the coupe-shaped roofline running from the A- to the C-pillar will be one key design element staying, but it won’t be milled from a single piece of aluminium like on the concept. Instead a 0.8mm alu-plate coating will be used, or alternatively you could option the same feature in carbonfibre. Key to Audi’s brand values, Egger stressed real materials would be used throughout – nothing fake will masquerade as something else. And those distinctive front headlamps’ LED lower lid ‘eyeliner’ detail will also make the cut – lighting technology already pioneered on the R8 and brand-new A4.

By Guy Bird