Audi has entered a new vehicle class with its compact A1. The latest model to bear the four rings, the Audi A1 promises to uphold the virtues of the brand – dynamics, premium quality and elegant design – in a way that appeals to the young, trendy and aspirational. “The arrival of the new Audi A1 breaks new ground for the brand in South Africa,” says Ryan Searle, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Audi SA. “It is an unmistakably premium product exuding the innovation, invigorating dynamics and attention to detail synonymous with the brand.”

The Audi A1′s Volkswagen Polo underpinnings are well known and the car has been labelled by some as nothing more than a glitzy version of its German understudy. At the most basic levels and on paper, I might agree, but the diminutive Audi’s tangible character firmly dispels any such notions.

The A1′s exterior design is unique, with a front end dominated by the large single-frame grille with cut-off corners (familiar to the larger A8) together with expressive LED daytime running lights. The character, or ‘Tornado Line’ as Audi calls it, begins above the grille and extends right the way around the car, helping to identify the wrap-around tailgate. The profile’s defining visuals include the roof arch that can be specified in a number of contrasting colours, as well as the large wheel arches and tapering C-pillar. Short overhangs, the prominent bonnet and the smooth slope of the rear hatch, frame the body’s compact shape, while the 3D-look LED tail light clusters provide a distinct identity at night.

Inside, the Audi A1 echoes the premium feel familiar to the rest of the Audi range, with enough subtle changes to be considered refreshing. Optional leather trim fitted to our test car’s seats, together with the steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake, heightened the luxury feel. The dashboard is of soft-touch material and incorporates jet engine-inspired air vents with chrome highlights. In the centre of the dash sits a fold-out colour-LCD monitor that forms part of the Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system and shows various vehicle settings. The centre stack houses aluminium dials to operate the climate control functions, as well as those of the MMI controller, radio, SD-card and CD-player. The satellite controls on the steering wheel work well and the MMI system in the A1 is the easiest to use of any Audi to-date. The on-board computer display, located between the speedometer and rev-counter, displays typical information such as trip computer, average fuel consumption, outside temperature, etc, but also has en efficiency program that displays the best gear for current driving conditions, as well as an ‘easy view’ that actually hides the information display if you wish.

Interior space is generous up front and more than expected in the rear. However, in order to provide a fair amount of rear legroom, the rear seats are positioned a bit too upright, which, while good for the posture, isn’t the most natural position and leaves little to no headroom for taller passengers. The luggage area will accommodate 270-litres, or a more spacious 920-litres with the rear seats folded flat and there is ample storage around the cabin for smaller personal items. Considering the A1′s two-door bodystyle, access to the rear seats isn’t too challenging, thanks to a conventional quick-release system that springs the front seats forwards.

While the A1 doesn’t break any ground in terms of Audi’s ‘Vorsprung dur Technik’ motto, it does feature one of Volkswagen AG’s best bits of technology, the 1.4-litre TFSI engine. Awarded the International Engine of The Year award in 2009 and 2010, the EA111 engine is a proven unit having done service in countless VW Group models. In short, the TFSI offers refinement, performance and economy, but its application in the A1 is rather brilliant. Weighing in at 1.1 tonnes, progress in the lightweight A1 is swift, courtesy of the 1.4-litre turbocharged engine’s 90 kW and 200 N.m of torque. The drivetrain is manipulated via a 6-speed gearbox that is satisfying to work with regardless of your mood. With plenty of torque available, city driving is anything but a fuss and, when needed, peak power is enough to see the A1 moving at a top speed of 203 km/h. In addition, the engine revs freely and produces a rorty exhaust note in the process, a combination that’ll send you and the A1 singing up hills. Together with stop/start technology and an energy recuperation system – which recovers energy during braking – the 1.4 TFSI is capable of a claimed average fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100km – I managed an impressive 4.9 L/100km on the open road.

In terms of ride and handling, it is immediately apparent that Audi have used their suspension and chassis know-how to equip the A1 with superior abilities to that of the Polo upon which it’s based. A comfortable balance has been achieved with the suspension, giving the A1 sweet road manners whether nipping through a set of twisties or skipping over a set of urban speed bumps. Having said that, the steering action can be a little light at times and some kickback was evident on bumpier surfaces. Further stability is provided by ESP, together with an electronic limited slip differential and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).

It’s premium, stylish and compact, but for all it’s endearing traits, the A1 arguably loses a few brownie points when it comes to the rands and cents – or should that be sense? Starting from R253 000, the base spec 1.4 TFSI Ambition looks a little nondescript. So, for example, those cool daytime LED running lights will be R7 000; the supple leather seats, R14 000; that roof arch in a contrasting paint colour, R4 500; a set of 17-inch wheels for a little more street cred, R12 900. Without much effort you could be nudging the R300 000 mark. In fact, Audi’s options list for the A1 has over R280 000 worth of check boxes. Don’t be deterred though, because any which way you spec your A1, you’ll be driving one of Audi’s finest.

What we like…

• Great performance, economy and all-round flexibility from the 1.4 TFSI.
• A refreshed and modern take on the Audi interior, which was beginning to border on cliched in recent models, despite its excellence.
• A city car with eye-catching styling.

What we would like…

• Slightly stiffer steering action at higher speeds.
• Bluetooth an USB connectivity as standard – trendy urbanites need this like they need their iBerrys and BlackPhones.

A sharp-eyed car fan took these photo’s of the brand-new Audi A1 in the city of Barcelona, Spain.

This specific model appears to be equipped with the S-Line package, which includes 17 or 18-inch cast aluminium wheels, sport suspension with dynamic suspension tuning, a larger roof spoiler at the back and unique bumpers (notice the protruding insert on the rear bumper). The interior is said to feature a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and sport seats.

Audi’s Mini Cooper chasing A1 hatch will have its first public outing at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Find out more about the new Audi A1 here.

Images from Autoblog

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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