Stories keep changing, but the cars remain the same. Well maybe not. Earlier this week we reported that the A1 might have a hybrid version. Later on in the week we reported that Audi’s Hybrid is more then likely to be based on the VW Up! concept. Now the talk around town is that the A1 might find itself to dealer showrooms in the United States in a gasoline configuration.

One must wonder if the A1 is being considered the VW Polo must not be far behind either. Gas efficiency seems to be a keyword often dropped in sales meetings, but with the recent sudden decline of oil prices, we must ask ourselves if fuel efficiency will be an issue in 6 months or not.

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This morning Audi unveiled it’s A1 Sportback Hybrid at the Paris Auto Show.

The car has a four-cylinder, 1.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 150hp and also a 27 kilowatt electric motor that assists the gasoline engine under acceleration. The electric motor can power the car for short distances.

Lithium-ion batteries can power the vehicle for up to 100km and can be charged from a standard wall outlet.

Fuel consumption is said to be 3.9L/100km, which is the equivalent of 72 MPG.

It measures less then 4 meters, which is just over 13ft and has five doors and four seats.

The concept is a preview of a production A1 car that Audi will build at a rate of about 100,000 units a year starting at the end of 2009.

For more information visit www.AudiForum.ca