Official details of the highly-anticipated Audi A1 have just been released and though Ingolstadt is treading unknown waters in this segment, does the touted “Mini-fighter” have what it takes to usurp its BMW-built rival?
Aimed at young urbanites, the A1 is said to boast considerable agility and nimbleness for dealing with city traffic and also a high degree of everyday utility – all finished in the traditional high quality standard modern Audi’s are known for.
It’s pleasing to see Audi’s stuck with most of the aggressive design cues that made the Metroproject Concept (on which the A1 is essentially based) such a hit at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Understandably, a few styling elements have been watered down for the production, but the A1 has an aggressive squat, cleverly angled character lines and a prominent shoulder line, as well as A and C-pillars that meet in a contrasting-coloured roof arch to create a sleeker profile.
As is familiar Audi fare, the front end bears the hallmarks of the family design, especially in the single frame grille, but reshaped details such as the plastic air intakes with integrated fog lamps, curved headlamp design and angles corners of the grille distinguish the A1 from larger members of the Audi stable.
The A1 is marginally longer and wider than a three-door Mini at 3 950 mm long and 1 740 mm wide, but is taller, at 1 420 mm, with a wheelbase of 2 470 mm. Just like its rival, overhangs are very short.
Four engines will be available at launch, two petrol engine and two diesel units. The entry level 1,2-litre TFSI produces 63 kW and 160 N.m of torque between 1 500 and 3 500 r/min. Mated with a five-speed manual gearbox, this unit propels the A1 from zero to 100 km/h in 12,1 seconds and on to a top speed of 179 km/h, while consuming 5,1 litres/100 km on the combined cycle.
Next is the 1,4-litre TFSI, with 90 kW and peak torque of 200 N.m. With a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, it sprints to 100 km/h from zero in 9,2 seconds. Two versions of the 1,6-litre TDI unit will be available, one with 66 kW and 230 N.m of torque, the other with 77 kW and 250 N.m of torque. A seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission will be optional.
The front-wheel drive A1 employs a MacPherson-type suspension layout up front with lower triangular wishbones, and torsion-beam rear axle with. Audi particularly focused on the front axle bearings, stabiliser bar and the springs and dampers to promote balanced handling characteristics. ESP with an electronically-controlled differential lock is standard across the range. The A1 rides on standard 16-inch wheels, while Audi offers 17-inch alloys wrapped in 215/40 tyres, and quattro GmbH offers 18-inchers covered in 225/35 rubber as optional extras.
With the car aimed at the young and trendy, it’s important that the A1 be flexible as well, and in addition to the Attraction and Ambition trim lines, an equipment programme allows customisation of air vent colours, LED interior lighting, and retina-searing seat covers amongst many other aspects.
Like many Audis that compete in higher segments, the A1 is available with a range-topping MMI navigation plus multimedia centre, which features a monitor that rises up out the instrument panel and a 465 watt Bose surround sound system.
The Audi A1 makes its international début at the Geneva Motor Show next month.