The first premium automobile in the small compact segment
Innovative technologies specifically interpreted and implemented
The A1 sets new efficiency standards
Michael Dick, Member of the Board of Management for
Technical Development at AUDI AG, talks about the Audi A1:
We are venturing into new terrain with the A1: It defines an entirely new model
series and will be the first premium automobile in the small compact segment.
To bring premium or better yet a true Audi to this class was an exciting challenge
for us in Development. We did, of course, make clever use of the very good potential
offered by the Groups modular system that is one of the strengths of our Group.
But one thing is particularly important: With the A1, the whole is greater than the
sum of its parts. And this extra bit is what makes an Audi an Audi, and is what the A1
also stands for.
This also puts the A1 well in front of its competitors in a number of aspects. We
have interpreted and implemented innovative technologies very specifically. The A1
has all of the genes and characteristics that are important to us. All of us, my team
and I, have grown very fond of the A1.
Our newest Audi is emotional and modern; it is a lot of fun, and that at first sight.
Just look at the unique, powerful design with the distinctive roof arch and the LED
headlights.
The cabin also features top-level quality. We have provided many opportunities for
the customer to put his or her own personal touch on the A1, and no other
manufacturer offers high-end infotainment systems in the form that we do.
The A1 is a grown up compact car. Its chassis is sporty and agile, which is a
prerequisite for a car that is a lot of fun to drive. The weight distribution, the very
direct steering and the painstaking suspension setup also contribute to the fun
factor. And technologies such as the ESP electronic stabilization program with
electronic differential lock make the handling even more precise and sporty.
Our A1 also sets new efficiency standards. Four different engines will be available
two TDI and two gasoline units. All follow the downsizing principle compact, yet
powerful and highly efficient. They substitute forced induction for displacement,
and all use direct injection with turbocharging to produce between 86 and 122 hp.
All versions of the A1 feature strong performance with low fuel consumption
ranging between 3.8 and 5.4 liters per 100 kilometers (43.56 and 61.90 US mpg).
The engine with the best fuel economy is the 1.6 TDI with 90 hp and manual
transmission. It emits only 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer (159.33 grams per mile).
All of the engines are equipped with a recuperation system, with which they recover
energy while braking, and are also coupled with a start-stop system. A new thermal
management system in the 1.2 TFSI helps to further reduce consumption.
For Audi, efficiency always means high-tech, which is why we offer the seven-speed S
tronic transmission as an option. The dual-clutch transmission changes gears
smoothly yet sportily and quickly. It can be operated as an automatic or manually,
with shift paddles on the steering wheel available as an option. It is a lot of fun and
reduces fuel consumption even farther.
We consider efficiency to be a total vehicle issue. With the A1, the low body weight,
the electrohydraulic steering, and the on-board computer with efficiency program
also play important parts. The bundled use of modern technologies is what makes
our A1 unique in the compact class.
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