What has Mini done. No longer going to be alone in the premium compact market. Soon there will be the BMW 1 Series and then the Metroproject, which I am sure is no “project.” Consumers are going small but still want that high class image. The OEM’s are answering.

This Audi is quite a departure from their norm and yet still the same old Audi. Let me explain…

There is still the Audi stance, for me the foundation of any car. Soft bulging fenders that seem so delicate yet convey such muscular strength. The large grill sucking in more air than a kid with a hellium balloon and simple lines tying everything together.

New areas for Audi include the more aggressive headlight graphic, aluminum arches connecting the pillars and round fog light /air intakes.

This rear view shows some great line work flowing through the car. The one area I am not comfortable with yet is the dynamic headlight/taillight graphic contrasted with the geometric fog light/exhaust area. At first I would think to make these forms relate to each other, but on the other hand the geometric forms balance out the aggression. This balance keeps a nice elegance while still retaining a sporting character.

The interior is typical evolution Audi. Taking some cues from the R8 with the grab handles, but stretching across the glass to the other side. The R8 is cockpit inspired where this elects to include the passenger in the excitement.

The seats have fresh materials and a again show and element of sport with the red accent stitch. I love all of the aluminum switch gear.

It will be interesting to see if the aluminum arches make it to a production model. It would be a big, possibly trend setting idea to put out there. Audi has done well with branching out to a new aesthetic while retaining what has made them great. Clean, simple lines and surfaces; which, is quite the contrary to their rivals, the over complex surfaced BMW’s.

There are more sweet sketches and photos over at CarBodyDesign.