Body and interior
The design with the encircling shoulder line is cutting-edge and integrates
the Audi A1 into the large model family. The front end with the dominating
single-frame grille, the side line with the distinctive roof arch, the
coupé-like C-pillars and the large wheel arches are among its defining
style elements. The hood and the rear hatch wrap around the body. Audi offers
optional xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running light strips and
LED tail lights. The tail lights are already three-dimensionally styled in
the base model and are unmistakable, day or night. High- and ultra high-strength
steels comprise two-thirds of the compact model s body. The strongest
of these are the hot-shaped steels, which draw their extremely high tensile
strength from a dramatic temperature increase during the shaping process.
Hot-shaped steels are used primarily within the passenger cell. They provide
the basis for the precise, sporty handling, the good comfort, the quiet interior,
the excellent passive safety and the low base weight..
The interior of the Audi A1 is spacious, bright and airy. The instrument
panel bears hints of an airplane wing; its four round air vents are reminiscent
of jet engines. The clean, clear controls are every bit a classic Audi strength
as the superior workmanship. Many lovingly designed details underscore the
premium character of the A1.
Drivetrain
The Audi A1 is available with a choice of five four-cylinder engines: three
TFSI engines and one TDI. A second diesel rounds out the lineup. All of the
engines follow the downsizing principle they substitute turbocharging
for displacement and draw their fuel through direct injection units. Their
performance range extends from 63 kW (86 hp) to 136 kW (185 hp). The most
powerful 1.4 liter engine uses a supercharger and a turbocharger for forced
induction. All versions of the A1 impress with exemplary fuel economy. Standard
cycle values lie between 3.9 and 5.9 liters per 100 kilometers (39.87 - 60.31
US mpg). The 1.6 TDI with 66 kW (90 hp) and manual transmission emits only
99 g of CO2 per kilometer (159.33 g/mile). Efficiency modules that come standard
with all versions (except the 66 kW/90 hp 1.6 TDI with S tronic and the 136
kW/185 hp 1.4 TFSI) are a start-stop system and a recuperation system. A
new, particularly effective thermal management system in the engine contributes
to the low fuel consumption of the 1.2 TFSI.
Engine lineup:
-
1.2 TFSI with 63 kW (86 PS)
-
1.4 TFSI with 90 kW (122 PS)
-
1.4 TFSI with 136 kW (185 hp)
-
1.6 TDI with 66 kW (90 hp), available later this year
-
1.6 TDI with 77 kW (105 hp)
At Audi, efficiency always means high-tech. The A1 1.4 TFSI with 90 kW (122
hp) and the 1.6 TDI with 66 kW (90 hp) are available with the seven-speed
S tronic dual-clutch transmission. The S tronic is standard in the top model.
The dual-clutch transmission shifts extremely quickly, comfortably and with
no perceptible interruption to the flow of power.
It can be operated as an automatic or manually, with paddles on the steering
wheel available as an option. Thanks to its high efficiency and the intelligent
control system, the S tronic also helps to reduce fuel consumption.
Chassis
The agile, wide-track chassis moves the A1 to the head of its class. Whether
in the city, on an interurban road or on the expressway the small
compact is always great fun to drive thanks to its sporty setup, the favorable
weight distribution and the direct-ratio steering. The powerful top model
sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.9 seconds and features a
particularly sporty setup. The ESP stabilization program with electronic
limited slip differential, which comes standard on all models, makes the
handling even more precise while also enhancing driving safety. It minimizes
understeer at the cornering limit by means of slight braking, which also
improves traction.
Equipment and trim
In addition to the Attraction and Ambition trim lines, Audi also offers a
media style package focused on infotainment and interior design. In addition
to 16-inch aluminum wheels, sport seats with lumbar support, a leather steering
wheel and aluminum-look interior trim, the Ambition line also comes standard
with the on-board computer with efficiency program and shift indicator.
Innovative materials and modern colors emphasize the youthful character of
the Audi A1. Whether color-coordinated air vents, LED interior lights or
seat covers in expressive colors customization is the key. The equipment
program offers countless opportunities for matching the A1 to the drive r
s own personal style. There are even a variety of paint finishes from
which to choose for the roof arch. Customers can also order many features
after the initial salThe available infotainment and multimedia systems for
the Audi A1 come directly from the full-size class. The top of the line is
MMI navigation plus, a media center that sets new standards in the compact
segment. It borrows closely from the system used in Audi s A8
flagship,including the monitor that folds o ut from the instrument panel
and the control unit, which uses MMI logic. The connectivity package, which
is based on the concert radio, includes a navigation preparation kit that
allows the customer to later install a map-based navigation system
that, too, is a new idea. The 465 watt Bose surround sound system with 14
speakers is just one example of the additional high-end complementary features
available. Convenient Bluetooth and wired interfaces are available for cellular
phones and external players such as the iPod.e to follow a trend or a whim. |