RE: Driven: Audi A1 Quattro
Discussion
Nice idea but ludicrously expensive for the performance (which is much less than I would have thought, given the engine power) and LHD only make it a no-no for anyone but well-heeled fans or speculators .. they should be collectible with such a small run.
I'd speculate that there will one day be a mass produced Quattro A1 with RHD and performance not too far off that, though likely with a smaller engine displacement. Might not be that cheap though, going on A1 prices generally.
I'd speculate that there will one day be a mass produced Quattro A1 with RHD and performance not too far off that, though likely with a smaller engine displacement. Might not be that cheap though, going on A1 prices generally.
I really want to know who the 14 people who have bought one are, and their reasoning, out of pure curiosity. I assume it's exclusivity, but quite frankly it is only an Audi after all, so most uneducated people on the street will just think "oh a small Audi" while the petrol heads amongst us that know what it is will only laugh. Utterly baffled
AliV6 said:
Mental money. If it had RS1 on the side, then i could understand, but then i'd want more power!!...Hummm...Doubt it'll sell!
According to Harris's report, 14 out of the 19 allocated to the UK have already sold. Seems your doubt is misplaced, with 74% of production for the UK already spoken for. If they sell all of them, then by the laws of the free market we'd have to accept that they priced it about right.Nobody ever said special-edition cars are all about value. In fact, they tend to be just the opposite: Because they are rare (which makes certain segments of the population want to buy them even at elevated prices which they, not coincidentally, can easily afford), their performance/cost "value" proprosition as subscribed to by most "car enthusiasts" goes down by definition. The M3 GTS, Fiat Tributo Ferrari, Carrera Sport Classic, 599 GTO, or R8 GT ("it's just an Audi"?) are not faster than other comparably priced cars. They don't have to be; they're not pandering to the overtly value-conscious.
As to why someone might want this over an RS3? It's smaller, much newer, more rare, and has a manual.
So for all the shallow reasons.
It was a given that people who perceive themselves as trendy and "considerably richer than yow" would snap up these like a moschino handbag. It's posturing, plain and simple and the more outrageous the price, the better for those who wallow in social standing.
It was a given that people who perceive themselves as trendy and "considerably richer than yow" would snap up these like a moschino handbag. It's posturing, plain and simple and the more outrageous the price, the better for those who wallow in social standing.
LuS1fer said:
So for all the shallow reasons.
It was a given that people who perceive themselves as trendy and "considerably richer than yow" would snap up these like a moschino handbag. It's posturing, plain and simple and the more outrageous the price, the better for those who wallow in social standing.
Not sure what you're referring to by "shallow." If a person prefers a smaller car (eaiser to maneuver, easier for parking) and one with a manual, then I wouldn't call that shallow. GT-R drivers often cite with pride that their cars are more rare than Porsches; quite obviously the world would be a much more boring place if everyone drove a GT-R. I, for one, am glad there is choice in the market. And let's be real here: Some level of shallowness figures into just about every car purchase. No one is going to buy a car that he perceives to be grotesque.It was a given that people who perceive themselves as trendy and "considerably richer than yow" would snap up these like a moschino handbag. It's posturing, plain and simple and the more outrageous the price, the better for those who wallow in social standing.
LuS1fer said:
So for all the shallow reasons.
It was a given that people who perceive themselves as trendy and "considerably richer than yow" would snap up these like a moschino handbag. It's posturing, plain and simple and the more outrageous the price, the better for those who wallow in social standing.
YEAH CLASS WAR!!!!!!!!!It was a given that people who perceive themselves as trendy and "considerably richer than yow" would snap up these like a moschino handbag. It's posturing, plain and simple and the more outrageous the price, the better for those who wallow in social standing.
Ignoring what appears to be a rather large chip on your shoulder I happen to think you're completely wrong. Those who "wallow in social standing" (wallow? like a hippo? really?) wouldn't touch this as in their eyes it's just a small Audi. This will be bought by wealthy enthusiasts who like the idea of something a bit different and aren't overly concerned with value for money.
Edited by Maldini35 on Friday 17th February 22:11
Edited by Maldini35 on Friday 17th February 22:25
If had a few million in the bank and the missus wanted a runaround for our Tuscan villa I'd buy one and chip it to 300bhp. There are plenty of people around with more money than sense and are also car nuts, not "posturing" or "shallow", good luck to them. Rather than be jealous I look forward to seeing my first one one on the road. Even at the price doubt Audi is making a profit on such a low build volume.
Think the A1 is a fantastic looking thing, just pipping the Fiat 500 for neat supermini runaround
Think the A1 is a fantastic looking thing, just pipping the Fiat 500 for neat supermini runaround
Edited by Adam B on Saturday 18th February 15:39
I'm not quite sure why considering people who will pay £40k for a Polo-sized car anything other than "shallow" is an issue nor how it relates to having a chip on anyone's shouder. There are cars that will do all that for a lot less.
However, I'm not one to buy designer labels and there is little question that Audi is a very successful one. I recall the pre-Quattro days when they were mainly rebadged VWs... aaah.
However, I'm not one to buy designer labels and there is little question that Audi is a very successful one. I recall the pre-Quattro days when they were mainly rebadged VWs... aaah.
LuS1fer said:
I'm not quite sure why considering people who will pay £40k for a Polo-sized car anything other than "shallow" is an issue nor how it relates to having a chip on anyone's shouder. There are cars that will do all that for a lot less.
However, I'm not one to buy designer labels and there is little question that Audi is a very successful one. I recall the pre-Quattro days when they were mainly rebadged VWs... aaah.
I still don't get the shallow comment. What is shallow about buying something that doesn't make sense? Following that logic we'd all be driving small diesel hatchbacks. Enjoy the madness.However, I'm not one to buy designer labels and there is little question that Audi is a very successful one. I recall the pre-Quattro days when they were mainly rebadged VWs... aaah.
wab172uk said:
Big Six said:
40K for a Polo.
The sad thing is people will still buy it & not even mention the RIDICULAS price.
I just couldn't bring myself ever owning a Audi. I would just feel embarrassed.
So you've not driven an R8 or last gen RS4 then?The sad thing is people will still buy it & not even mention the RIDICULAS price.
I just couldn't bring myself ever owning a Audi. I would just feel embarrassed.
Hardly embarrasing driving an R8?
PS. I have an R8, so may be biased.
Their marketing methods may not sit right with the morals of many but the fact is that Audi have created some of the most accomplished machines on 4 wheels. As you've said, the last gen RS4 is a perfect example. I can't comment on the R8 (you lucky man) as I haven't driven one but I've no doubt they're awesome.
As for the A1, it's exactly that, another bit of clever marketing. And a terrific looking little thing in my book.
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