Just like the BMW Group did with its MINI-branded cars, Audi is planning to offer a variety of customisation options and packages for its new entry-level A1 model. This includes the S-Line sport kit, which is expected to be one of the most popular options amongst buyers.

The S-Line kit is featured in the gallery below for the first time in official photos. With two options available, the S-Line Exterior package adds some aggression to the new A1′s looks with chiseled sill tops, a larger roof spoiler, a more concave front bumper with side air-vents and a new rear bumper with a diffuser and matte optics.

The second kit, the S-Line Sport Package, adds 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport suspension with dynamic suspension tuning, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and sport seats.

At this stage there are no performance upgrades available, a’la John Cooper Works for MINI, but the Audi S1 will benefit from the company’s 155 kW 2,0-litre TFSI and offer Cooper S rivaling thrills. For more details on the A1 check out our previous story by clicking here and watch a video here.

Erectile Dysfunction

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.

Adaped from TheMotorReport

Audi has revealed more information about its new A1 baby hot hatch.

It will intially only be available as a three-door, with the range expected to start at around R220 000. An Audi spokesperson said the best selling Mini in the range is the Cooper and this is where the A1 will be aiming both barrels, hence the R220k estimated price point. Audi has no desire to go any further downmarket with the car, so it’s not planning any Mini ‘One’ type models with the A1. Its premium position in the supermini market will be preserved.

The brand expects many buyers to go for the premium options, so a fully-equipped example of a top A1 version could end up costing well over R300 000, once it’s left the showroom. Much of the mechanicals will be shared with the new VW Polo (recently crowned European Car of the Year), although the badging on the A1 will not reveal the size of the engine fitted. Audi want to get away from using engine size as a model designator as engines will be getting smaller in the future and buyers don’t like showing to the world they are downsizing.

Sales will begin at the end of 2010 but the real sales push will be in 2011. Audi realises the maintenance package BMW has been offering on its cars is highly attractive to buyers and so want to introduce a similar scheme themselves on the A1.

Adapted from Evo