After months of spy photos, teaser images and videos, the 2011 Audi A1 has been revealed today ahead of its official unveiling at Geneva next month. Based on the 2007 A1 Metroproject concept, Audi says its new entry-level premium hatch is aimed at young buyers ‘looking for a stylish car designed for the urban environment’.
The 2011 Audi A1 will be offered with two trim levels: Attraction and Ambition. A media package will also be available, focusing on infotainment systems and interior design.
The A1’s style-conscious focus, evident in the unique exterior roof arch, extends to interior options such as coloured air-vent nozzles, LED interior lights and coloured seat covers. The best of Audi’s infotainment systems will also be available for the A1, including the MMI Navigation Plus and a 465 watt Bose surround-sound system.
Power in the A1 comes from a choice of four direct-injected, turbo-charged engines: two diesels and two petrol units. On the petrol front, the A1 kicks off with the 1.2 TFSI, producing 63 kW and 160 Nm of torque between 1500 and 3500 rpm. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the entry-level A1 makes its way to 100 km/h in a leisurely 12.1 seconds. The 1,2-litre TFSI lists a fuel consumption rating of 5.1 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km.
Next in the petrol duo is the 1.4 TFSI, developing 90 kW and 200 Nm of torque, available between 1500 and 4000 rpm. Mated to Audi’s seven-speed S tronic transmission, the 1.4 TSI reaches 100km/h in a sharper 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h. A six-speed manual transmission is also available with the 1.4 TSI, getting the A1 from zero to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds. Average fuel consumption for the 1.4 TSI is listed as 5.1 l/100km for the S tronic setup and 5.4 l/100km with the manual.
Moving on to the diesel options, the 1.6 TDI is offered in two versions. The first produces 66 kW and 230 Nm of torque between 1500 and 2500 rpm, and, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission, reaches 100 km/h in 12.2 seconds. Fuel consumption is a Toyota Prius beating 3.8 l/100km, with CO2 emissions listed at just 99g/km. Top speed is 179 km/h.
The second and slightly more powerful version of the 1.6 TDI produces 77kW and 250Nm of torque between 1500 and 2500 rpm, also coupled with the five-speed manual transmission.
Zero to 100 km/h is covered in 10.8 seconds, with fuel consumption a similarly low 3.9 l/100km. Top speed is 187 km/h.
Weighing in at only 1 045 kg, the A1 is one of the lightest offerings in the ‘premium compact’ class. With a relatively wide track and balanced weight distribution, Audi claims the front-wheel-drive A1 is the sportiest car in its class (although that might be a judgment best left to an independent review). Depending on the engine, between 61 to 63 percent of the weight rests on the front axle. Front suspension comprises a MacPherson setup with lower triangular wishbones. Steering is managed by an electrohydraulic rack-and-pinion power steering system rather than a straight hydraulic system.
The Attraction trim level includes relatively standard fare such as power-adjustable side mirrors, power windows and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. The range-topping Ambition trim level features 16-inch wheels and fog lights. Inside, Ambition-specific features include aluminium-look highlights, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and a driver information system. The Ambition’s sports seats offer adjustable lumbar support, and the passenger seat is also height-adjustable. Optionally available for the Ambition trim line is the S line sport package, which includes 17 or 18-inch cast aluminium wheels, S line sport suspension with dynamic suspension tuning, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and sport seats.
The A1 will be built at the Audi plant in Brussels. A South African debut is unknown at this point, but Audi SA is expected to reveal its plans in the coming weeks.
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