The compact Audi A1 couldn’t come at a better time and is ready to take on the markets by 2010. According to AutoExpress, Audi will compete with the MINI Convertible with a convertible version of the Audi A1 that will debut at the Frankfurt Motor show in 2009.

The soft-top will not come with a heavy quattro four-wheel-drive system. Under the hood, Audi will pick from Volkswagen’s Golf engine lineup. Expect them to range from a 2.0L TDI producing 140 to 170-hp, an entry level 1.6 producing 102-hp and a range topper 1.8 turbo producing 150 to 170-hp.

Audi may even plan an S1 version of the convertible to compete with the MINI Cooper S’s territory with the 260-hp from the new Audi S3.

The German automaker is already working on a lithium-ion powered hybrid version of A1 with Sanyo. No word on whether the convertible will get a hybrid variant.

Source: AutoExpress