A clear sign of the popularity of the Audi A1 and A1 Sportback is the over 500,000 cars sold since its market launch in 2010. The Audi compact models are now being made even more attractive with benefits to both interior and exterior design. Fresh decors and paints give them an even more attractive appearance. The small compacts exhibit handling that is like that of a mid-class car. The rigid car body and short wheelbase make them agile and maneuverable.
The new Audi A1 and A1 Sportback are appealing with their sporty lines. Their design is now even sportier, and they are two centimetres longer at a length of 3.98 metres. As an option, Audi can deliver the roof arch (of the A1) or roof dome (of the A1 Sportback) in a contrasting colour.
The interior of the new Audi A1 and A1 Sportback is spacious and sophisticated. The layout of its controls is clean, and fine chrome trim strips make its design even more elegant. The program of optional features has been restructured. The A1 can be customized by choosing either the design or sport line. Other options include the design selection and the S line sport package as well as many other customization options – from coloured air vents to decorative decals for the body. Audi Genuine Accessories offers other options, including a comprehensive equipment package that is being offered for the first time. The active kit includes customized add‑on parts and wheel designs.
The six engines of the redesigned Audi A1 and A1 Sportback – four TFSI and two TDI engines – have an output of between 66 kW and 141 kW. All engines are entirely new or have undergone extensive advanced development. Power output has been increased in most engines, while fuel economy has been reduced by as much as ten percent. The seven-speed S tronic is available for all engines, either optional or standard (with the 1.8 TFSI). The driver can have the dual clutch transmission make shifts at lightning speed either automatically or by manual control.
The entry-level engine is the first three-cylinder gasoline engine in the history of Audi. The Audi A1 1.0 TFSI with 70 kW of power has a combined fuel consumption of just 4.3 liters fuel per 100 kilometres (99 g CO2 per km). Another new three-cylinder diesel in the A1, the 1.4 TDI ultra with 66 kW, attains an NEDC fuel consumption of 3.4 liters fuel per 100 kilometres (89 g CO2 per km), which makes it the first ultra model in the Audi A1 and Audi A1 Sportback. Both engines exhibit maximum efficiency.
The chassis makes both compact models sporty and agile. The new electromechanical steering guarantees that the driver has optimal assistance in all driving situations. The power assist is reduced as vehicle speed increases. In the newly created sport equipment line, the tuning is stiffer, but it is more comfortable than in the previous model. For even more dynamic performance, there is the S line sport suspension. Also new is the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. The driver can use it to vary the engine characteristic, the optional S tronic and adjustable shock absorbers – another new option – over the three modes auto, efficiency and dynamic.
Wheel diametres range from 15 to 18 inches. ESC Electronic Stabilization Control makes handling even more precise and stable, and torque vectoring reduces understeer at performance limits.
The high‑end infotainment solution is MMI navigation plus with a large memory and intelligent speech control. Its monitor folds out from the instrument panel. The ideal complement is the Audi connect module including car phone, which connects the car to the Internet. The driver can use the online services of Audi connect, and passengers can connect their mobile devices to a WiFi hotspot. Fine components such as the Bose Surround Sound system round out the infotainment lineup.
Four metres of dynamism: the Audi S1 and Audi S1 Sportback
The top models of the series are the Audi S1 and Audi S1 Sportback Their 2.0 TFSI produces 170 kW and 370 Nm of torque. The small compact sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h.
The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system transfers engine power to all four wheels. It is designed for maximum driving fun. The tuning is decidedly stiff; specially developed pivot bearings on the front suspension and a sophisticated four‑link rear suspension deliver even better dynamic performance. The wheels are 17 inches in diameter; Audi drive select and adjustable shock absorbers are standard. Exterior and interior details underline the exceptional positioning that the S1 and S1 Sportback assume in their segment. The range of standard features is particularly extensive.