Since the reveal of the three-door Audi A1 Metroproject Concept way back in October 2007 (a car we probably would have seen in the showrooms by now if not for the global financial crisis), Audi and small-car fans have been eagerly awaiting news of a production version.

The A1 Metroproject Concept was followed almost exactly a year later by the Audi A1 Sportback Concept, in October last year, giving fans even more reason to be hopeful for a production version.

Rumours persist that the A1 is on its way to market in 2010, based on the A1 Metroproject and the A1 Sportback and built on the 2009 Volkswagen Polo platform.

With recent whispers of a three-door Polo and, of course, the three-door design of the A1 Metroproject, a three-door Audi A1 could be on the cards as well.  The good folks at MotorAuthority have put together a rendering of what a production-ready A1 three-door might look like.

Because the A1 would form something of a MINI competitor for Audi (notable especially in the retro-styled interior), a cabriolet option may also appear down the line.

The A1 is expected to be offered as a front-wheel-drive model in standard form, although all-wheel-drive quattro performance models are expected as well, mated to Volkswagen’s new seven-speed DSG transmission.

Power will likely come from existing Volkswagen TSI and TDI engines, ranging from 1.4 litre to 2.0 litre capacities.  With the hybrid sensibilities of both the Metroproject and Sportback A1 concepts, a similar option for the production A1 could be offered.