Audi A1 Cabriolet Rendered

The 2011 Audi A1 broke cover less than 10 days ago and already we have preview renderings of the Audi A1 Cabrio – one of the family of variants expected to be built on the A1 platform.

The renderings are just what you’d expect: a convertible version of the A1 hatch. No surprises there. Also no surprise is the likely use of a folding soft top. Audi may be billing the A1 as the first true premium sub-compact, but it still has to meet a reasonable price point, so hardtops are likely out. Power will be the same as the engines found in the standard A1, including a pair of TFSI petrol engines and a TDI turbodiesel.

The Audi A1 Cabriolet will add to Audi’s arsenal in the battle with BMW’s range of Mini variants. Other A1 derivatives will include a five-door hatch, like the Sportback concept, and a sporty S1 variant. The S1 is expected to house a 1,4-litre TSI engine producing 147 kW – enough power to provide competition for the MINI Cooper S.

Production and sales of the Audi A1 Cabriolet are expected to start in 2012.