Audi A1

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. Technologies such as the ESP electronic stabilization program with electronic differential lock make the handling even more precise and sporty.

The new 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 they 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 should be a lot of fun and still reduce fuel consumption even further. Audi considers 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 the A1 unique in the compact class.