The
Audi A1 mid-life update will arrive in Australia in May
2015, introducing two all-new engines, electromechanical steering, an
optional automatic transmission for the base model and new trim grades.
In
a first for Audi, the A1 will be offered with
a 1.0 TFSI three-cylinder engine, developed by Volkswagen Group.
Pricing
for the Australian market remains under negotiation, but Audi says we can
expect prices for the new streamlined range to remain similar to the current
line-up.
Since
its introduction in 2010, more than 500,000 A1s have been sold around the
world. After being discontinued in Australia around the middle
of 2013, the three-door version remains off the table with this
release.
The
1.0-litre turbocharged engine replaces the 1.2-litre entry model, the 1.4 TFSI
has been revamped and a sporty 1.8-litre TFSI replaces the current 1.4-litre
twin-charged engine. The recently released, unchanged Audi S1 tops off the
series with a 2.0 TFSI engine producing 170kW and 370Nm.
The
s1 joined the family in March, launching locally in October and it’s the first
of the range with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive.
In
a first for the A1, the 1.0-litre engine will be offered in both a five-speed
manual and seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, producing
70kW and 160Nm with either.
The
1.4-litre TFSI four-cylinder engine can be matched to a six-speed manual
or the seven-speed automatic transmission, though it’s the only one in the
line-up not entirely new to the A1; it has been revamped. It produces 92kW
at 5000prm and 200Nm between 1400-4000rpm.
The
sporty 1.8-litre TFSI four-cylinder is new to the A1 and will be available only
with the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, able to
produce 141kW at 5400rpm and 250Nm from 1250-5300rpm.
A
number of other options are available for European and Asian markets including
a range of turbo-diesel engines and a cylinder-on-demand petrol
engine, but Australia will only see the three petrol options mentioned
above.
The
inclusion of S tronic across all variants completes the roll-out across the
Audi family and all engines meet the Euro 6 emissions standard.
At
the international press presentation in Monaco, CarAdvice had the opportunity
to drive the 1.0 TFSI and the 1.8 TFSI and there’s a notable change in the way
it rides and handles.
The
three-pot is light and fun, though you will notice the lack of torque down low
in the rev-range. On the other hand the 1.8-litre is punchy and responds
quickly to a jab on the accelerator.
Work
has been done to reduce cabin noise, through the use of a specific technique to
create thinner, lighter yet denser steel panels and greater levels of
insulation.
The result is a quiet and calm cabin, with just the occasional intrusion of road noise. Wind noise is negligible and the engine tones are distinctly muted.
Changes
have been made to the suspension, at the front there’s a MacPherson-type
suspension with lower wishbones and rigid front transverse link mounts, the
rear has semi-independent suspension with separately mounted springs and
shock absorbers. Sports suspension is available and the S line package offers
an even stiffer set-up.
The
A1 is comfortable and glides smoothly over road imperfections, even
through the French countryside with its narrow roads and jagged shoulders.
Leaving
Monaco, the drive-loop featured a steep trek up to Sospel with numerous
hairpin turns. The A1 retains its composure through the bends, remaining stable
and precise over the winding journey.
The
new electro-mechanical power steering is light and smooth, consuming less
energy than the previous hydraulic steering.
The
new A1 also features ESC with extended torque vectoring at the front
axle, start-stop is standard and Drive Select offers three different
settings for throttle, speed control and steering. Adjustable dampers are also
an option.
The
A1′s closest competitor is the Mini, but Audi continues to
outsell its rival and changes to the trim levels with the facelift offer an
extensive range of customisation options, Audi claims there’s more than
one-million combinations.
Mini has long been a pioneer of customisable cars, and this move by Audi should up the ante in regards to the competition between the rival models.
The
previous Ambition and Attraction variants have been retired, replaced
by A1, Design and Sport. Audi claims four out of five A1 buyers are
newcomers to the German brand, and the move to offer a seemingly endless array
of options to express individuality boils down to enticing and
encouraging the younger demographic.
The
update includes exterior styling changes. A1 is now two-centimetres longer
with sharper, more masculine lines. It’s sportier looking and there are 17
different options in the 15-18-inch alloy wheel range.
At the
front, the headlights have a more pronounced wedge-shape with LED daytime
running lights (xenon headlamps optional), the grille is wider and lower with
more angular corners and the air inlets are lower and wider.
From
behind, there’s new LED taillights, a wrap around tailgate and a wide diffuser
adding to its sporty look. All in all it looks sharper, and the tweaks have
given it a decent refresh.
Inside,
the centre console is clean and simple, the same layout as the previous
A1 but with a few extra trims – customisable of course. Audi Connect won’t
be on offer, but is expected with the new generation. Navigation is available
and all vehicles come with a pop-up display.
Reversing
camera isn’t standard, but you do get sensors with an audible warning. Parking
visibility leaves a little to be desired with the high-set, yet short
windows.
The seats are comfortable, all A1s feature bucket seats available in numerous colour and trim options. The Australian offerings are yet to be finalised but there’s sure to be something to suit almost everyone’s taste.
There’s
decent room in the second row, plus optional Bose surround sound. Boot space is
also respectable; we managed to haul luggage for three people around at times
on launch.
There
will be a number of packages on offer, including a driver assistance package,
that will add features like blind spot monitoring. Autonomous emergency
braking isn’t available, but again, it’s expected on the next generation.
Audi’s
attention to detail when it comes to cabin fit and finish is impressive.
Everything feels solid and looks to be of high quality, the only oddity is
the cable phone charger in the passenger glove compartment.
Though
we spent time in the European variants, the cars we’ll see in Australia won’t
be too different. Full pricing and specification details are expected in the
coming months. The A1 continues to offer a sporty, fun, highly customisable
entry-level option to the Audi brand.
Car Details
Make
AUDI
Model
A1
Variant
SPORTBACK 1.2 TFSI ATTRACTION
Series
8X MY14
Year
2014
Body Type
5D HATCHBACK
Seats
5
Engine Specifications
Engine Type
TURBO MPFI
Engine Size
1.2L
Cylinders
TURBO 4
Max. Torque
160Nm @ 1500rpm
Max. Power
63kW @ 4800rpm
Pwr:Wgt Ratio
59.2W/kg
Bore & Stroke
71x75.6mm
Compression Ratio
10.0
Valve Gear
SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM
Drivetrain Specifications
Transmission
5 SP MANUAL
Drive Type
FRONT WHEEL DRIVE
Final Drive Ratio
3.625
Fuel Specifications
Fuel Type
PREMIUM UNLEADED PETROL
Fuel Tank Capacity
45
Fuel Consumption (Combined)
5.1L / 100km
Weight & Measurement
Kerb Weight
1065
Gross Vehicle Weight
Not Provided
Height
1448mm
Length
3965mm
Width
1746mm
Ground Clearance
121mm
Towing Capacity
Brake:1200 Unbrake:640
Steering & Suspension
Steering Type
RACK & PINION - POWER ASSISTED
Turning Circle
10.6
Front Rim Size
6.5x15
Rear Rim Size
6.5x15
Front Tyres
205/55 R15
Rear Tyres
205/55 R15
Wheel Base
2457
Front Track
1477
Rear Track
1471
Front Brakes
DISC - VENTILATED
Rear Brakes
DISC
Standard Features
Comfort
Air Conditioning
Control & Handling
15 Inch Alloy Wheels, Electronic
Brake Force Distribution, Electronic Stability Program
Driver
Adjustable Steering Wheel - Tilt
& Telescopic, Cruise Control, Leather Steering Wheel, Multi Function
Steering Wheel, Power Steering
Engine & Transmission
Electronic Differential Lock
Entertainment
Radio CD with 8 Speakers
Exterior
Rear Spoiler
Interior
Cloth Trim, Power Windows
Safety
Dual Airbag Package, Anti-lock
Braking, Head Airbags, Seatbelts - Pre-tensioners Front Seats, Side Front Air
Bags
Security
Central Locking Remote Control,
Engine Immobiliser
Optional Features
Comfort
Automatic Air Con / Climate Control,
Heated Front Seats, Power Sunroof
Control & Handling
16 Inch Alloy Wheels, 17 Inch Alloy
Wheels
Driver
Parking Distance Control
Entertainment
CD with 6 CD Stacker
Exterior
Metallic Paint
Interior
Leather Upholstery
Security
Alarm System/Remote Anti Theft
Other
Service Interval
12 months / 15,000 kms
Warranty
36 months / 999,000 kms
VIN Plate Location
9-H-9
Country of Origin
GERMANY
Source by : Caradvice
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