Audi A1

Audi A1

Manufacturer	Audi AG
Production	2010–present
Assembly	Brussels, Belgium
Predecessor	Audi 50[1]
Class	Supermini
Body style	3-door hatchback
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group PQ25
Engine	1.2 L TFSI 63 kW I4 petrol 1.4 L TFSI 90 kW I4 petrol 1.6 L TDI 77 kW I4 diesel 2.0 L TDI 105 kW I4 diesel[2]
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 7-speed S tronic 1-speed (A1 e-tron)
Wheelbase	2,469 mm (97.2 in)[3]
Length	3,954 mm (155.7 in)[3]
Width	1,740 mm (68.5 in)[3]
Height	1,416 mm (55.7 in)[3]
Curb weight	1040-1140 kg[3]
Related	Volkswagen Polo Mk5 SEAT Ibiza Mk4
Designer	Stefan Sielaff[citation needed]

The Audi A1 (internally designated Typ 8X) is a supermini-class car launched by Audi at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Sales of the initial three door A1 model started in Germany in August 2010, with the United Kingdom following in November 2010.^[4] The car is aimed mostly at young, affluent urban buyers.^[5]

Description

The A1 is designed to compete with the Mini,^[6] and Alfa Romeo MiTo.

The A1 is produced at Audi's Belgium factory in Forest, near Brussels.^[7] The A1 is based on the Volkswagen Group PQ25 platform, the same platform used in the SEAT Ibiza Mk4 and the VW Polo Mk5,^[8] and in its development Audi has collaborated with SEAT.^[9] The A1 uses a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension.^[10]

The 100,000th A1 was produced in June 2011.^[11]

UK launch

The UK launch of the Audi A1 was held on 13 November 2010. The national launch took place from Battersea Power Station,^[12] where up to 300 Audi A1s left London.

Variants

In the UK, the A1 trim levels are SE, Sport and S line. SE is the base specification, while Sport and S line models also have sport seats, sports suspension and larger wheels, amongst other features.^[13] In 2011 Audi introduced a series of new trim levels, including Black Edition and a series of limited editions, including Competition Line and Contrast Edition. These are based on the Sport trim level with distinctive styling features.^[14]

A1 Sportback

In November 2011, Audi announced the A1 Sportback model. This is a 5-door variant of the A1, identical in external dimensions, but with seating for five and slightly more interior space. Initial deliveries in the UK are expected in Spring 2012.^[15]

Engines

Petrol engine
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h,s	Top speed	Transmission	CO2 emission (g/km)	Years
1.2 TFSI	I4	1,197 cc	86 PS (63 kW; 85 hp) @ 4,800 rpm	160 N·m (118 lb·ft) @ 1,500-3,500 rpm	11.7	180 km/h (110 mph)	5-speed manual	118	2010-
1.4 TFSI	I4	1,390 cc	122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp) @ 5,000 rpm	200 N·m (148 lb·ft) @ 1,500-4,000 rpm	8.9	203 km/h (126 mph)	6-speed manual 7-speed S tronic (optional)	124 122	2010-
1.4 TFSI	I4	1,390 cc	185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) @ 6200 rpm	250 N·m (184 lb·ft) @ 2,000-4,500 rpm	6.9	227 km/h (141 mph)	7-speed S tronic	139	2011-[16]
Diesel engine
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h,s	Top speed	Transmission	CO2 emission (g/km)	Years
1.6 TDI	I4	1,598 cc	105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) @ 4,400 rpm	250 N·m (184 lb·ft) @ 1,500-2,500 rpm	10.5	190 km/h (120 mph)	5-speed manual	99	2010-
2.0 TDI	I4	1,968 cc	143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp) @ 4,200 rpm	320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @,1,750-2,500 rpm	8.2	217 km/h (135 mph)	6-speed manual	108	2011-

All engines will include a start-stop system and energy recuperation system.^[2][17]

Concept cars

Audi has announced several Audi A1 concept vehicles, most of which are of the hybrid vehicle and PHEV variety.

metroproject quattro

Audi metroproject quattro (rear)

Audi metroproject quattro (front)

Audi A1 Sportback Concept at the 2008 Paris Motor Show

Audi A1 e-tron

A1 clubsport quattro

The A1 was previewed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show in the form of the Audi metroproject quattro concept car.^[18] The concept seats four and features a new hybrid powertrain. With this powertrain, a 1.4 L (85.4 cu in) 148 bhp (110.4 kW) Turbo FSI engine drives the front wheels via a six-speed S-Tronic, while a 40 bhp (29.8 kW; 40.6 PS) electric motor provides power to the rear wheels. The electric motor is also capable of producing 148 lb·ft (201 N·m) of torque.

The metroproject quattro is able to travel 62 miles (100 km) at up to 62 mph (100 km/h) on one charge of its lithium-ion batteries, which reduces fuel consumption by up to 15%. Both power sources are available to use simultaneously, with the driver then benefiting from McPherson strut front and four-link rear suspension configuration, electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering with a low energy draw, Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping technology, and 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in just 7.8 seconds.^[19]

At the 2008 Leipzig Auto Mobil International show, Audi again presented the metroproject quattro, renamed the A1 project quattro.^[20] The vehicle was designed by Audi AG Project Designer in Exterior Design Dany Garand, who also presented the design during the car's Hong Kong debut.^[21]

A1 Sportback concept

Audi unveiled a second A1 concept car at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008. The A1 Sportback concept is a restyled five-door development of the metroproject quattro. Like the earlier concept, the A1 Sportback has a hybrid powertrain, with the same 1.4 L petrol engine and S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission, plus a 20 kW (27 hp), 150 N·m (110 ft·lbf) electric motor. However the electric motor drives the front wheels, rather than the rear. Quoted 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) acceleration is 7.9 seconds and average CO₂ emissions are given as 92 g/km. The A1 Sportback retains the dimensions of the Metroproject quattro, except for a slightly greater length, at 3.99 m (157 in).^[22][23]

A1 e-tron

The Audi A1 e-tron concept car is an electric variant of the A1, first shown at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.^[24] The A1 e-tron is a series plug-in hybrid (PHEV), powered by an electric motor with a continuous output of 45 kW (61 PS; 60 bhp), and a peak output of 75 kW (102 PS; 101 bhp). A fully charged 12 kWh lithium-ion battery gives a maximum range of 50 kilometres (31 mi), after which a 254 cc Wankel engine is used to power a 15 kW (20 PS; 20 bhp) generator with a 12 L (2.6 imp gal; 3.2 US gal) fuel tank.^[25] This is estimated to provide an additional range of 124 mi (200 km).^[24]

A field testing programme of twenty A1 e-tron vehicles began in Munich in late 2010.^[26]

A1 clubsport quattro

In May 2011, the A1 clubsport quattro concept car was shown at the Wörthersee event. This car has a modified version of the Audi RS 3's five-cylinder 2.5 L engine tuned to 503 PS (370 kW) and 660 N·m (487 lb·ft). Capable of 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) acceleration in 3.7 seconds, the car also features a restyled exterior including "blister"-style extended wheelarches reminiscent of the Audi Quattro and minimal, lightweight interior trim.^[27]

Promotion

The Audi A1 has been promoted using a viral internet video release entitled "The Next Big Thing". The campaign stars Justin Timberlake and is comparable to the BMW film series "The Hire". Six episodes have been created and are available to view online. Each episode is around three minutes long, and shorter versions are featuring as television advertisements worldwide.^[28]

The A1 is the first car from Audi to have a tablet based brochure, called the "Audi A1 eKatalog". The brochure works on the Apple iPad and allows the viewer to change the color of the car on almost every page. It also includes a 3D driving simulation.

Awards

The Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport was awarded "Car of the Year 2011" by the British What Car? magazine.^[29]

References

1. ^ "Audi A1 vs Audi 50". Auto Express. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/255220/audi_a1_vs_audi_50.html. Retrieved 26 February 2011. 
2. ^ ^{a b} "A1 Engines". Audi UK. http://www.audi.co.uk/new-cars/a1/a1/engines.html. Retrieved 24 February 2010. 
3. ^ ^{a b c d e} "The Audi A1 Pricing and Specification Guide" (PDF). Audi UK. September 2010. http://www.audi.co.uk/content/dam/audi/production/PDF/PriceAndSpecGuides/a1.pdf. Retrieved 30 September 2010. 
4. ^ "New Audi A1 begins to make its mark". www.audi.co.uk. 26 August 2010. http://www.audi.co.uk/about-audi/latest-news/new-audi-a1-begins-to-make-its-mark.html. Retrieved 31 August 2010. 
5. ^ "Audi A1 Targeting Young, Urban Premium Buyers". Liquida.com. http://www.liquida.com/video/a10d17454/audi-a1-targeting-young-urban-premium-buyers/. Retrieved 01-01-2011. 
6. ^ "Audi A1 (2010): first spy photos of Audi’s Mini". CAR Magazine. 2009-10-16. http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-new-cars/Search-Results/Spyshots/Audi-A1-2010-first-spy-photos-of-Audis-Mini/. 
7. ^ "Audi Gets VW Plant in Belgium, Will Build A1 There". Edmunds Inside Line. 2007-05- 31. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=121026. 
8. ^ "Some Audi A1 Details (Correct and Incorrect) from Motor Trend Volkswagen Polo News Story". www.fourtitude.com. 2009-01-19. http://forums.fourtitude.com/zerothread?id=4208756. Retrieved 2009-03-04. 
9. ^ Krix, Pia; Krogh, Henning (2006-12-06). "Winterkorn considers jettisoning VW's Spanish brand". Automotive News. http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061205/SUB/312050002. Retrieved 2011-01-01. "The Spanish company has been deeply involved with the Audi A1's development, as it was with the A3 Sportback." 
10. ^ "2010 Audi A1 Test Drive". Popular Mechanics. 2010-06-18. http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/reviews/preview/2010-audi-a1-test-drive. Retrieved 2011-01-22. 
11. ^ "Milestone week: Audi A1 builds 100,000th A1.". www.europeancarnews.com. http://europeancarnews.com/2011/06/24/milestone-week-audi-a1-builds-100000th-a1/. 
12. ^ "Audi A1 UK Launch Date and Details". www.audia1ownersclub.co.uk. 2010-08-26. http://www.audia1ownersclub.co.uk/?p=26. Retrieved 2010-08-28. ^{[dubious – discuss]}
13. ^ "A1 Interior style features". www.audi.co.uk. Audi UK. http://www.audi.co.uk/new-cars/a1/a1/interior-style-features.html. Retrieved 24 February 2010. 
14. ^ "Introducing A1 Editions". www.audi.co.uk. Audi. http://www.audi.co.uk/new-cars/a1/a1/a1-editions/introducing-a1-editions.html. Retrieved 17 October 2011. 
15. ^ "Audi's five-door A1 unveiled". Autocar. 18 November 2011. http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/260137/. Retrieved 20 November 2011. 
16. ^ "Up-tempo Audi A1 ready for Paris show debut". www.audi.co.uk. Audi. 23 September 2010. http://www.audi.co.uk/about-audi/latest-news/up-tempo-audi-a1-ready-for-paris-show-debut.html. Retrieved 30 September 2010. 
17. ^ "German catalog of A1". http://www.audi.de/etc/medialib/ngw/product/pdf/kataloge.Par.0064.File.pdf/a1_033_1133_10_00.pdf. Retrieved 9 September 2010. 
18. ^ "2007 Tokyo Auto Show Preview: Audi metroproject Quattro". Edmunds Inside Line. 2007-10-19. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=123092. 
19. ^ "Tokyo Motor Show: Audi metroproject quattro concept". 2007-10-23. http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/23/tokyo-motor-show-audi-a1-metroproject-quattro-concept/. Retrieved 2008-10-10. 
20. ^ "Audi at the AMI in Leipzig: A Spectacular Array of Premiers". Fourtitude. 2008-04-02. http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publish/Audi_News/printer_3878.shtml. Retrieved 2008-04-22. 
21. ^ "Audi Design Media Workshop Reveals Brand’s Design Creativity". Audi.com.hk. 2010-12-23. http://www.audi.com.hk/audi/hk/en2/about_audi_ag/news/local_news/audi_design_media.html. Retrieved 2011-01-01. 
22. ^ "Paris show: Audi A1". Autocar. 2008-10-02. http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/235232/. Retrieved 2008-10-02. 
23. ^ "Audi A1 Sportback concept". Audi UK. http://www.audi.co.uk/audi/uk/en2/experience/Studies/a1_sportback.html. Retrieved 2008-10-06. 
24. ^ ^{a b} "Audi A1 e-tron detail – it’s a Wankel-Electric". Cars UK. 2010-03-10. http://www.carsuk.net/audi-a1-e-tron-detail-its-a-wankel-electric/. Retrieved 2011-01-05. 
25. ^ "Audi A1 e-tron". www.audi.com. Audi AG. http://www.audi.com/com/brand/en/experience/design___technology/audi_e-tron/audi_a1_e-tron.html. Retrieved 2011-01-05. 
26. ^ "Audi A1 e-tron: Electric testing has begun in Munich". Germancarblog.com. 2010-09-10. http://www.germancarblog.com/2010/09/audi-a1-e-tron-electric-testing-has-begun-in-munich. Retrieved 2011-01-22. 
27. ^ "503PS Audi A1 clubsport quattro wows Worthersee 2011". www.audi.co.uk. Audi. 31 May 2011. http://www.audi.co.uk/about-audi/latest-news/503ps-audi-a1-clubsport-quattro-wows-worthersee-2011.html. Retrieved 1 June 2011. 
28. ^ "Justin Timberlake & Audi A1 Mini Series - Ep 1". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3700C8F34F726523&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&v=UirJJ8eiWpk. Retrieved 2010-07-20. 
29. ^ "What Car? Car of the Year awards 2011 - Supermini winner". whatcar.com. 13-01-2011. http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/what-car-car-of-the-year-awards-2011/supermini-winner/254786. Retrieved 11-02-2011. 

External links

• Audi A1 Online Special
• Audi A1 project quattro (www.audi.com)