Apr 8, 2010
The all new Audi A1 is the brand’s foray into a whole new dimension of the compact car segment.
It is individual, dynamic, emotional and high quality, condensing all of Audi’s virtues down to less than four meters. This is a customizable design that is indeed full of vibrant charm, rigid quality, and state-of-the-art technologies of pioneering efficiency. The lithe and nimble chassis plus powerhouse engines make the A1 the sportiest car in its class.
The target clientele of this new and exciting model consists of young professionals living in major cities and are therefore on the lookout for a hip vehicle designed for the harsh urban environment. With the A1’s compact dimensions, it is very agile and responsive in the cities’ thoroughfares and offers an elevated degree of day-to-day utility.
High quality and sporty are also words that describe the interiors of the A1. Numerous details of the unit can be customized by clients to suit their personal taste. With a myriad of advanced and upscale technologies on board and an infotainment system that sets the standard for future car models to emulate, the Audi A1 is truly the first and latest premium automobile in the small compact category today.
Australian motorists can look forward to the all new A1 in the first quarter of 2011, following its international release around mid-2010.
Automotive passion is what the Audi brand stands for. Being the sportiest car in its segment is obvious at first sight of the A1. Though the design is ultramodern and unique, distinguishable features such as the side line with roof arch, C-pillars which are Coupe-like, wheel wells that are large and roomy, and of course the front end with single-frame grille make it distinctively part of the Audi family. The rear hatch and the hood encompass the rest of the body. And whether in the day or at night, the three-dimensionally molded tail lights present an unmistakable design that is simply eye-catching.
The interior: airy and vibrant
With its compact exterior, it’s surprising that the interior is quite spacious and cozy. One is reminded of an airplane wing upon seeing the instrument panel with the four round air nozzles looking like jet turbines. Typical of Audi’s superior standards, the ergonomics are readily felt by the driver and passengers, together with the ingenuously high fit and finish. All these and more awe-inspiring design details make the A1’s interior epitomize the premium character and spirit of Audi.
The multimedia and infotainment systems are cut from the luxury class with avant garde features: the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus—a media center that consists of the monitor which ascends from the instrument panel and the control unit that follows the MMI logic; the concert radio and connectivity package that can retrofit an Audi map-based navigation and global positioning system (now a novelty in the automotive industry); and the complementary 465-watt Bose surround sound system, among countless of other functions and add-ons. This really sets new standards for all compact cars, as A1 is really ahead of its time.
Intense driving bliss: the sportiest in its class
Aside from its technological advancements, what essentially places the A1 at the peak of its segment is the sporty and energetic chassis. The sporty setup, the optimal weight distribution and the very direct and responsive steering all put concentrated pleasure in the A1’s driving experience. Handling precision is achieved with the standard ESP stabilization system and electronic axle-differential lock, which likewise increase driving safety even further.
Audi left no stone unturned with the A1 in terms of efficiency. The trendy vehicle is equipped with four of the finest four-cylinder engines, of which two are TDI and the other two TFSI gasoline engines producing between 63 kW and 90 kW of genuine uncompromising power. By substituting turbo-charging for displacement and drawing fuel efficiently through direct injection units, all of the engines adhere to the downsizing principle.
These provisions improve fuel economy as standard cycle values are gauged between 3.8 and 5.4 liters per 100 kilometers. Care of the environment and reduction of greenhouse gases were also taken into consideration, as the 1.6 TDI with 66 kW and manual transmission gives off only 99 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. Recuperation systems, coupled with an automatic start-stop mechanism, are integrated into all four engines to allow energy recovery while braking. Fuel consumption of the 1.2 TFSI engine is reduced further through an innovative temperature management system with switched water pump.
Superior transmission technology: the seven-speed S tronic
The A1 is available, both in automatic and manual modes, with the seven-speed S tronic transmission perfected by Audi. This dual-clutch transmission provides for extremely rapid and comfortable gear-switching without noticeable disruption in pulling power. Shift paddles on the steering wheel are optional. The owner would absolutely have endless fun driving and enjoying lower fuel costs—Audi’s thrusts.
Although a newcomer in the automotive playing field, being sporty, powerful and attractive makes A1 appealing to a modern client base—young, urban, lifestyle-oriented, musically-inclined, design-savvy, fashionable and trendy, many of whom are expected to be women.
