The new Audi A1 – Sportiness and individuality in the compact class

LOCAL SA LAUNCH: Schedule for the 1^st quarter 2011
                                      Model range and pricing to be confirmed closer to market introduction
 
The new Audi A1 – Sportiness and individuality in the compact class
 
Audi is introducing a whole new dimension to the premium compact class. It is dynamic and high quality, emotional and individual. It condenses all of the virtues of the brand down to less than four metres – a design full of character, uncompromising quality and pioneering efficiency technologies. The agile chassis and powerful engines make the A1 the biggest news in the segment.
 
The Audi brand stands for automotive passion. With its agile chassis and powerful engines, the A1 is the sportiest car in its class, and this is readily apparent at first glance. The design is unique and modern. Styling cues placing the A1 in the Audi family include the side line with the distinctive roof arch, the coupe-like C-pillars, the large wheel wells and, of course, the front end with the typical single-frame grille. The hood and rear hatch encompass the body; the tail lights are three-dimensionally molded and present an unmistakable design, day or night.
 
The interior of the A1 is also sporty and of high quality. Customers can customize numerous details to tailor the car to their personal tastes. Audi’s latest model has a broad portfolio of advanced technologies on board; its infotainment system sets new standards in the segment. The A1 is the first premium automobile in the small compact class – a true, fully-fledged Audi.
 
The new Audi A1 is due for South African release in the first quarter of 2011.

Concentrated driving pleasure: the sportiest car in its class
The sporty and agile chassis of the A1 places it at the head of its class. Whether in the city, on an interurban road or on the highway – the A1 is great fun to drive thanks to its sporty setup, the optimised weight distribution and the very direct steering.
 
The standard ESP stabilisation system with electronic axle-differential lock makes the handling of the A1 even more sporty and precise, while driving safety is increased even further.
 
The new A1 also sets new efficiency standards. Audi is sending the new model line into the fray with four four-cylinder engines, two TDI and two TFSI petrol engines producing between 63 kW and 90 kW. All the engines follow the downsising principle – they substitute turbocharging for displacement and draw their fuel through direct injection units.
 
All versions of the A1 impress and have good fuel economy, with standard cycle values between 3.8 and 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres (provisional values). The 1.6 TDI producing 66 kW, from the manual transmission, emits only 99 g of CO2 per kilometre. All of engines are equipped with a recuperation system that allows them to recover energy during braking, and are coupled with an automatic start-stop system. A new temperature management system with switched water pump contributes to the low fuel consumption of the 1.2 TFSI.
 
The exact engine and transmission range for the South African market is being investigated.

High-tech and efficiency: the seven-speed S tronic
At Audi, efficiency is always high-tech. The A1 is available with the seven-speed S tronic transmission. The dual-clutch transmission changes gears extremely quickly, comfortably and without detectable interruptions in pulling power.
Offering both automatic and manual modes, with paddles on the steering wheel, S tronic provides for tremendously fun driving and also further reduces fuel consumption – typical Audi.
 
The interior: airy and dynamic
The interior of the A1 is surprisingly spacious and airy. The instrument panel is suggestive of an airplane wing; its four round air nozzles are reminiscent of the turbines of a jet. The clear ergonomics and the uncompromisingly high fit and finish typify the Audi brand’s high standards. Many carefully designed details in the interior document the premium character of the Audi A1.
In addition to the Attraction and Ambition trim lines, Audi also offers a media style package focused on infotainment and the interior design. The innovative materials and modern colors underscore the character of the A1.
 
Whether colored air nozzles, LED interior lights or seat covers in expressive colors – customisation is an important catch word. The equipment program offers countless opportunities for matching the A1 to the driver’s own personal style. There are a variety of paint finishes from which to choose for the roof arch. Customers can order many of these features after the initial sale to follow a trend or a whim.
 
The available infotainment and multimedia systems available come directly from the luxury class. The top of the line is MMI navigation plus, a media centre that sets new standards in the compact segment. From the monitor that rises up out of the instrument panel to the control unit that follows the MMI logic, it is oriented on the systems found in Audi models in the higher segments. Based on the concert radio, the connectivity package offers the option of retrofitting an Audi map-based navigation system – a novelty in the automotive sector. The 465 watt Bose surround sound system is just one example of the complementary modules available.
 
The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany.

At a glance

Design and body

• Distinctively progressive, coupe-like design, encompassing shoulder line, large wheel wells, contrasting custom-look roof arch as an option
• Headlights with characteristic appearance, optional xenon plus with LED daytime running lights, three-dimensionally styled tail lights
• High-strength body with uncompromising build quality

Interior and equipment

• Dynamic interior design reminiscent of aeronautical engineering
• Top-level fit and finish, modern materials and colors
• Two trim levels and media style package, many very comfortable and sporty features available, numerous opportunities for customisation

Infotainment

• Latest infotainment technologies, optional retractable MMI display on the 
  instrument panel
• High-performance navigation system with MMI control concept
• Comprehensive options for the connection and playback of mobile phones and portable music media, Bluetooth interface
• Connectivity package for the later integration of an Audi map-based navigation system
• Bose audio system with LED fiberoptic technology

Drivetrain

• Two powerful and efficient TDI and TFSI engines, all with turbocharging and direct fuel injection, power output from 63 kW to 90 kW 
• All engines with recuperation system and start-stop system; 1.2 TFSI with thermal management
• 1.6 TDI with 66 kW and 77 kW and manual transmission emit as little as 99 g of CO2 per kilometre (provisional value).
• Optional seven-speed S tronic
• On-board computer with efficiency program

Chassis

• Balanced axle load distribution, low total weight
• Sporty chassis with wide track; direct steering ratio
• ESP stabilisation system with electronic front differential lock to bolster the agile handling

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