Inchcape Audi
Audi A1
  • Audi A1
  • A1 Innovation
  • A1 Design
  • A1 Equipment & Engine
  • A1 Key Technology

The A1 has won its first award: ‘The most exciting car of the Year 2010’ What Car? award, before it has even officially been revealed. 

Audi A1

The Audi A1 project quattro was first unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show: a distinctive design study bringing typical Audi character to the subcompact segment. In typical Audi fashion, the three-door four-seater car showcases new ways of heightening efficiency, dynamism and motoring pleasure with a series of visionary technical solutions.

Audi A1 Innovation

Characteristic Audi sportiness plus a whole new dimension in efficiency – it is all down to the novel combination of a state-of-the-art turbocharged FSI engine with an electric motor and innovative control electronics.

Front-wheel drive + rear-wheel drive = quattro
The drive unit for the Audi A1 project quattro showcases a fully independent and innovative hybrid technology. At work under the bonnet is a 1.4-litre turbocharged FSI engine developing 150PS, whose power is directed to the front wheels by means of the S tronic Direct Shift Gearbox. A 41PS electric motor positioned on the rear axle is able to deliver up to an additional 200 Nm of torque when the vehicle is accelerating. In boost mode, in other words when the vehicle is being powered simultaneously by the turbocharged FSI unit and electric motor for dynamic performance, the study is transformed from a front-wheel drive car to a quattro, and power is transferred to the road in the most effective way possible.

FSI technology plus turbocharging
The Audi engineers have long since proven the performance potential of turbocharged FSI technology, both on race tracks around the world and out on the road. The new 1.4 TFSI builds on this very same concept in order to maximise efficiency on the one hand and performance on the other. Multi-hole injectors produce a homogeneous mixture formation and extremely efficient combustion. This is also an effective means of helping to cut emissions.

The 1.4 TFSI delivers 150PS at 5,500 rpm in the study, with the integrated turbocharger ensuring optimised responsiveness and even more harmonious torque build-up. 80 per cent of peak torque can be summoned up from as low down as 1,250 rpm, in other words barely above idling speed. Its peak torque of 240 Nm, meanwhile, is on tap over a broad rev band from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. And despite its power, the 1.4 TFSI sets new benchmark standards in its class for its acoustic output too.

Audi A1 Innovation

Audi A1 Design

The concept car’s styling makes it look as if it has been cast from a single mould. The basic proportions, with a high vehicle body and a flat window area bordered by a coupé-like roof line, produce a virtually classic look for a vehicle bearing the four rings.

Striking silhouette
The silhouette of the roof section is traced by two striking, sturdy aluminium arches which run along the top edge of the windows to connect the A and C-posts, further emphasising the dynamic appeal of the powerfully built, compact vehicle body. The shoulder line of the Audi A1 project quattro with its Racing red paint finish is a new interpretation of yet another trademark feature of the current Audi design. Here, the prominent double lines continue around the entire vehicle as a curvaceous band that links the front end – from which it seems to emerge – with the vehicle’s tail, that rises to create a slightly wedge-shaped effect. At the front, the Audi A1 project quattro’s lowered bonnet that is virtually embedded into the shoulder line forms a novel styling element. The tail is rounded off by a spoiler integrated into the rear window.

Sporty exclusivity
The single-frame grille with its chequered-flag look and four interlinking rings leaves no doubt as to the car’s sporty temperament, an impression that is further underlined by the aluminium finish on elements such as the grille, mirror housings, door handles, fuel filler cap and tailpipes. The two-tone multipiece wheels that have been embellished by the addition of V-shaped polished aluminium elements lend further emphasis to the vehicle’s sportiness and exclusivity.

Innovative LED technology
The design of the three-dimensional main headlights in innovative LED technology is especially eye-catching. The reflectors focus the light emitted by each diode to create a powerful, uniform beam whose white light colour barely places any strain on the driver’s eyes, even when driving for long distances at night. The daytime running lights are also based on LED technology, which promise extra-low energy consumption in addition to its design benefits.

Exterior 

The A1 epitomises a compact, sporty car with a striking design that will be instantly recognisable on the road.
 
The styling has changed little from the original Metro project quattro concept shown in Tokyo in 2007 and has already become familiar to the motoring press.
 
The colour featured in communications will be Misano red with an Ice Silver roof contrast line. The contrasting roof line colour is an optional customisation element that provides a premium way for a customer to personalise his/her car, using one of a range of colours to complement the overall paint choice.
 
The A1’s sharp lines, combined with fluid, smooth surfaces give a visual impression of exceptional build quality and a sporty, squat stance. The continuous flow of the shoulder line from the re-designed single-frame grille, across the side profile and surrounding the rear, gives a feeling of width that adds to the A1’s confident, masculine presence.
 
A range of standard and optional alloy wheels, from 15 inches to 17 inches, gives customers another way to customise their A1s.

Interior 

The interior layout and materials provide everything you would expect from an Audi interior. High-quality finishes, easy-to-navigate Infotainment systems, supported by the latest technology platform, and a modern dashboard design.
 
The spacious interior seats four adults and can be personalised with a wide choice of upholsteries, colours and air vent covers that can be tailored to complement the interior colour.
 
The easy-entry front seats, ample boot space (267 litres) and split-folding rear seats all ensure that the Audi A1 is a versatile and practical, yet compact car.

Audi A1 Design
Audi A1 Design
Audi A1 Design
Audi A1 Design
 

Audi A1 Equipment


The range of options and packages will feature a familiar selection of Audi equipment, including the latest multi-media interface (MMI) 3G+, which shares some technology from the new A8; Audi Music Interface (AMI); Bluetooth telephone preparation; parking systems and some new packages that will be unique to the A1.
 
The option list will complement the trim level structure, incorporating three levels of equipment based on a relative cost above the model price.
 
SE will be the standard level of specification, ensuring a premium feel with alloy wheels and air conditioning as standard.
 
Sport and S line upgrades will be available above SE, with enhanced specifications, including items such as sport seats, sports suspension and larger alloy wheels. The S line trim will also feature interior and exterior style enhancements.
 
The full details of specification and prices for these trim levels will be announced in early March to coincide with the A1’s public unveiling at the Geneva Motorshow.

Audi A1 Engine

A choice of two petrol engines and one diesel engine will be available with start-stop technology in the UK, yielding leading CO2 figures that cement our efficiency message.
 
The 1.4 TFSI will also be available with standard manual transmissions, as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG S tronic gearbox and start-stop technology.

This CO2 information is preliminary. More detailed technical data will be confirmed soon.

Key technology

ESP with electronic axle differential 
This technology underpins the sporty positioning and driving dynamics of the A1. By using controlled braking of the front wheels, the torque on front wheel drive vehicles is distributed according to the driving situation. This is known as torque vectoring.
 
As a result a counter-steering effect is produced well before understeer becomes noticeable.
 
This technology provides the driver with a more agile vehicle response, improved traction and better driving dynamics than in a vehicle without ESP and electronic axle differential. This results in a sportier drive with a greater level of safety when needed.
 
LED technology 
LED technology has been incorporated into the interior and exterior of the A1 to enhance its design. Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights (available exclusively on S line models) can be selected to add a distinctive look, synonymous with Audi. The distinctive Audi feel is enhanced by the strong curved wing in the inside of the headlight that encases the LED daytime running lights.  
 
LED technology is also available as an optional interior light package to enhance the overall ambience of the interior.

Audi A1 Design
Audi A1 Design
Audi A1 Design
Audi A1 Design
 
Audi A1

Key technology

ESP with electronic axle differential 
This technology underpins the sporty positioning and driving dynamics of the A1. By using controlled braking of the front wheels, the torque on front wheel drive vehicles is distributed according to the driving situation. This is known as torque vectoring.
 
As a result a counter-steering effect is produced well before understeer becomes noticeable.
 
This technology provides the driver with a more agile vehicle response, improved traction and better driving dynamics than in a vehicle without ESP and electronic axle differential. This results in a sportier drive with a greater level of safety when needed.
 
LED technology 
LED technology has been incorporated into the interior and exterior of the A1 to enhance its design. Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights (available exclusively on S line models) can be selected to add a distinctive look, synonymous with Audi. The distinctive Audi feel is enhanced by the strong curved wing in the inside of the headlight that encases the LED daytime running lights.  
 
LED technology is also available as an optional interior light package to enhance the overall ambience of the interior.

MMI 3G + 

MMI 3G+ is just one example of innovative technology seen previously only on the new A8.  

On A1 MMI 3G+ includes:

  • A new user interface previewed on the new Audi A8
  • Display now features icons
  • Easier to operate and more intuitive
  • Includes voice control allowing whole-word input 

Hard disc drive navigation

  • Complete navigation address input in one single command
  • 2D and 3D map display
  • Scrolling in map view with joystick (eight directions)

Media

  • Wireless music streaming for mobile phone to vehicle
  • 20GB jukebox (hard drive)
  • Playback of video files
  • SD card reader
  • Bluetooth interface
  • AMI

Start-stop technology 

The A1 offers a range of sporty, efficient engines with turbo technology. Start-stop technology is available on all three engines.
 
The A1 will also be the first car in the A0 segment to offer start-stop in combination with a seven-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) transmission.
 
Start-stop technology helps to conserve the fuel that vehicle consumes when it is stopped in traffic. By putting the car in neutral when the vehicle is stationary, the automatic start-stop function switches the engine off. The car starts again as soon as the driver operates the clutch.
 

Recuperation 

When a normal vehicle brakes, the brake converts kinetic energy into thermal energy, which cannot be used for any other purpose. With a recuperation system, the kinetic energy is converted into useful electrical energy by the alternator and is stored temporarily in the vehicle’s battery. When the vehicle subsequently accelerates or is driven at a constant speed, this energy is used to relieve the load on the alternator.

Audi A1 Design
Audi A1 Design
Audi A1 Design
Audi A1 Design
 

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