Downsizing from Audi: turbocharging instead of displacement

The newly developed four-cylinder exemplifies the Audi philosophy of downsizing, the substitution of turbocharging for volume. The engine with two-valves per cylinder displaces only 1,197 cc and has been rigorously optimized for low weight and low friction. Its cast aluminum crankcase has its own cooling loop separate from the cylinder head. The water in the block is not circulated immediately after the engine is started, enabling the engine to come up to temperature more quickly and shortening the phase of increase frictional resistance due to cold oil.

The 1.4 TFSI ups the ante with 90 kW (122 hp). Its peak torque of 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) is continuously available between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. A turbocharger with a water-cooled intercooler pressurizes the 1,390 cc engine with four valves per cylinder.

Together with the seven-speed S tronic, the 1.4 TFSI gets the A1 up to highway speed in 9.1 seconds. Top speed is 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The standard six-speed manual transmission bumps the time for the sprint to 9.2 seconds, but does not affect top speed. Average fuel consumption is just 5.1 and 5.4 liters/
100 km (43.56 and 46.12 US mpg), respectively, in the EU test cycle.

The power output of the new 1.6 TDI comes from a displacement of 1,598 cc. Internal friction in the compact four-cylinder has been systematically minimized. Audi offers two versions of this engine. The more powerful 1.6 TDI unit produces 77 kW (105 hp) and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm, and is coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. The 16-valve engine accelerates the A1 powerfully through the standard sprint in 10.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 187 km/h (116.20 mph) while consuming an average of just
3.9 liters/100 km (60.31 US mpg).

The second version of the 1.6 TDI generates 66 kW (90 hp) and 230 Nm (169.64 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. Coupled with the five-speed manual transmission, it accelerates the A1 from 0 to 100 km/h (0 – 62.14 mph) in 12.2 seconds. Its reaches a top speed of 179 km/h
(111.23 mph) and offers exemplary fuel economy of 3.8 liters/100 km (61.90 US mpg), which corresponds to 99 grams of CO2/km (159.33 g/mile).

All four engines in the A1 use a technology from the Audi modular efficiency platform – the recuperation system uses an intelligent voltage controller for the generator to recover energy during the braking and coasting phases and store it temporarily in the battery. The next time the car accelerates, this energy flows back into the on-board electrical system, relieving the load on the generator.

The four engines also come standard with a second technology from the Audi modular efficiency platform – the start-stop system. This turns the engine off when the car is at rest, if the gear selector lever is in neutral and the driver's foot has left the clutch pedal. Start-stop then turns the engine back on as soon as the clutch pedal is depressed - all the while functioning quietly, conveniently, and quickly.

The start-stop system also harmonizes perfectly with the seven-speed S tronic, the high-tech transmission with which the A1 underscores its exceptionally sporty position. The Audi dual-clutch transmission combines the convenience of a torque converter transmission with the dynamics and efficiency of a manual transmission. It changes gears within a few hundredths of a second without any perceptible interruption of pulling power, smoothly and very comfortably.

Weighing only around 70 kilograms (154.32 lb), the seven-speed S tronic also helps to save weight. Its two clutches run dry – the elimination of the oil supply further increases the already high efficiency of the transmission. Power is supplied to the electrohydraulic actuator as needed.

The driver can operate the seven-speed S tronic via a selector lever or optional paddles on the steering wheel, as in a sports car. There are also two fully automatic operating modes available. In D mode, the transmission management system operates the engine as often as possible at low speeds to save fuel; in
S mode, the driving style is sporty and the engine speeds higher. A hill start assist that holds the A1 when starting on a hill is standard.

Chassis

The front-wheel-drive Audi A1 is the sportiest car in the compact class. It is nimble and agile in the city; steady and precise on interurban roads, and comfortable on the highway. It owes these qualities primarily to the highly advanced chassis with the wide track and balanced weight distribution.

The engineers devoted a great deal of attention to the distribution of axle loads during the development of the A1. Measuring only 81 centimeters (31.89 inches), the front overhang is unusually short. Depending on the engine, only between 61 and 63 percent of the weight rests on the front axle, a low value for a compact car. A number of details contribute to this, such as the position of the battery, which with most engine options is underneath the luggage compartment. With a base weight of only 1,045 kilograms (2,303.83 lb), the A1 is the lightest vehicle in the premium compact class.

The front suspension comprises a MacPherson construction with lower triangular wishbones. The steering impulse from the electrohydraulic rack-and-pinion power steering, which is more efficient than a straight hydraulic system, is transferred via short paths to the pivot bearing for spontaneous steering response and precise, sensitive feedback through the steering wheel.

Direct: the power steering

At a ratio of 14.8:1, the steering is sportily direct, requiring only slight steering angles at the wheel. The high turn-in of the front wheels keeps the turning circle to 10.6 meters (34.78 feet) – both factors give the A1 the ultimate in agility in city traffic as well as on open roads.

Audi painstakingly tuned the front axle bearings, the stabilizer bar and the springs and dampers for sporty and balanced handling. A torsion-beam rear axle with separate springs and dampers features new guide bearings that were developed from the ground up. The Ambition trim line comes standard with a sport suspension featuring taut springs and dampers.

The A1 comes equipped with a new Audi technology regardless of the engine selected – the ESP stabilization system also includes an electronic differential lock. Similar to a mechanical locking differential, it makes the already agile handling even more neutral by largely eliminating understeer and improving traction. If the electronics detect that the load on the front inside wheel is reduced too much, it initiates brief, controlled braking of that wheel. The excess torque then flows to the outside wheel, which can apply more power to the road. Road behavior is even more precise, agile, stable and neutral, further enhancing objective safety and subjective confidence in the car.

With its sport modus, the ESP A1 is custom-tailored for agile driving. The stabilization system controls large, powerful wheel brakes. The front discs are internally ventilated and measure between 256 and 288 millimeters (10.08 and 11.34 inches) in diameter, depending on the engine. The rear wheels are equipped with powerful disc brakes. The Attraction trim line features 15-inch wheels; Ambition comes with 16-inch alloy wheels.

Audi offers optional 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, with some designs featuring modern bicolor designs, and wide-format 215/40 tires. quattro GmbH offers
18-inch cast aluminum wheels and wide-format 225/35 tires.

High performance: the wheel brakes

The sporty performance, top-class safety and comfort required in the premium compact class place high demands on the brakes. The brake system of the
Audi A1 was selected specifically for the performance of the different variants.

Even the models with the entry level engines should therefore have plenty of braking power in reserve. Every vehicle comes equipped with ventilated disc brakes up front and massive brake discs in the rear.

Sport steering wheel

In keeping with the vehicle's sporty character, the A1 comes standard with a grippy three-spoke sport steering wheel that can be optionally wrapped in fine Nappa leather and trimmed with high-quality chrome-design elements.

A particular highlight is the new operating concept of the optional multifunction switch, which enables the convenient operation of the on-board computer, telephone, audio source and navigation system directly from the steering wheel.
Shift paddles that enable fast manual gear changes are optionally available in combination with an S tronic transmission.

Equipment and trim

Audi offers the A1 in two trim levels. Attraction is the richly appointed charismatic version; Ambition the sporty and dynamic variant. Both lines can be combined with the media style package, which offers attractive infotainment and interior design options. Features such as the navigation package can also be purchased later, keeping the A1 fresh and attractive for years to come. The latest member of the Audi family also follows a fresh, young line with respect to materials and colors in the interior.

The Attraction line comes equipped with a number of comfortable features – the chorus radio, a radio remote-controlled central locking system, power-adjustable side mirrors, power windows and a height-adjustable driver's seat. Standard passive safety features include two front airbags, side airbags and head airbags. Belt force limiters, the integral Audi headrest system and Isofix anchor points for child safety seats in the rear round out the program.

The Ambition trim line can be identified at a glance – giving it away are the
16-inch alloy wheels and the fog lights. The interior of the A1 Ambition features aluminum-look touches, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and the driver information system. Its sport seats feature an easy-entry function and lumbar supports, and the passenger seat is also height-adjustable.

Optionally available for the Ambition trim line is the S line sport package, which includes, but is not limited to, the following: 17- or 18-inch cast aluminum wheels, S line sport suspension with dynamic suspension tuning, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and sport seats.

Much of the optional equipment that Audi has designated for the A1 comes directly from the luxury class. These include exterior options such as the xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, the LED tail lights and the optional 17-inch wheels with 215/40 tires. quattro GmbH offers 18-inch cast aluminum wheels.

Audi has also devoted a great deal of attention to the aspect of light and vision. The high-beam assistant uses a camera to detect other vehicles and towns and automatically switch between the low and high beams. It is combined with a light and rain sensor, which is also available separately. The panorama sunroof brings light and air into the interior. The convenience key can stay in the jacket pocket – the A1 unlocks when the driver pulls the door handles and starts at the push of the start-stop button.

Additional options include the alarm system, the LED interior lighting package, the heated and folding side mirrors, the cruise control system, the ski bag, the front center arm rest, the storage and luggage compartment package, the heated front seats, the climate control system, the automatic climate control system and a multifunction, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. Audi also offers a parking aid in two variants and a wide array of infotainment modules from which to choose. It starts with the concert radio and extends through the retrofit-capable navigation package to the high-performance MMI navigation plus system and the Bose surround sound system with innovative light guide technology.

Dynamic look

The S line exterior package gives the A1 an even more dynamic appearance thanks to such details as chiseled sill tops and a large roof spoiler.

The A1 offers the young, urban public a new lifestyle-oriented concept for colors and materials. If so desired, components such as the seat covers, the air nozzle housings and the inlays in the doors shine in fresh, expressive colors. In addition to the individual options, quattro GmbH also offers numerous packages, such as the S line sport package, the Audi exclusive line or the black styling package. The Audi exclusive customization program offers the customer even more styling options – for both the interior and the exterior.